WhatsApp Formatting Cheat Sheet
- Bold: *text* → text
- Italic: _text_ → text
- Strikethrough: ~text~ →
text - Monospace: ```text``` →
text - Combine: *_bold italic_* works by nesting the symbols
When Formatting Helps
Formatting makes business messages easier to scan: bold for prices and deadlines, italic for product names, strikethrough for old prices next to new ones, monospace for codes and order numbers. A formatted broadcast reads like it came from a professional operation instead of a rushed text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does formatting work in groups and broadcasts?
Yes. WhatsApp formatting symbols work in individual chats, group chats, broadcast lists, and channel posts.
Why does my asterisk show instead of making text bold?
The symbols must directly touch the text with no space: *bold* works, * bold * does not.
Can I format text in WhatsApp Status?
Text statuses use their own styling tools, but formatting symbols work in status captions on most versions.