WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows you to send text, voice, video, and media messages to your contacts, as well as make voice and video calls. But did you know that you can also customize your messages with creative formatting to make your expression stand out?
Text formatting is a feature that lets you change the appearance of your text by using certain symbols and characters. You can use text formatting to emphasize a word or phrase, add some style or flair, or convey a tone or mood. Text formatting can also help you organize your information in a clear and structured way.
In this article, we will show you how to use WhatsApp advanced text formatting options. We will also show you how to use text formatting shortcuts on Android and iPhone, and how to use text formatting tools on WhatsApp Web and Desktop.
How to Format Your Messages on WhatsApp
To format your messages on WhatsApp, you need to place certain symbols or characters on both sides of the text that you want to modify. The symbols or characters act as markers that tell WhatsApp how to display your text. Here are the symbols or characters that you need to use for each text formatting option:
- Bold: To make your text bold, place an asterisk (*) on both sides of the text. For example, Hello will appear as Hello.
- Italic: To make your text italic, place an underscore (_) on both sides of the text. For example, Hello will appear as Hello.
- Strikethrough: To make your text strikethrough, place a tilde (~) on both sides of the text. For example, ~Hello~ will appear as Hello.
- Monospace: To make your text monospace, place three backticks () on both sides of the text. For example, “`Hello“` will appear as Hello`.
You can also combine different text formatting options by using multiple symbols or characters.
How to Use Code Blocks
Code blocks are a special type of text formatting that are designed to enhance the readability of lines of code within WhatsApp. Code blocks are usually used by software engineers and programmers, but you can also use them to highlight a specific portion of your message or to create a distinct visual effect.
To use code blocks, you need to place three backticks (`) on both sides of each line of code that you want to format. Note that WhatsApp will automatically detect the programming language of your code and apply syntax highlighting accordingly. You can also specify the programming language manually by adding its name after the first three backticks.
How to Use Quote Blocks
Quote blocks are another type of text formatting that are used to reply to a specific portion of a message. Quote blocks are useful when you want to reference something that someone else said or wrote, or when you want to provide some context or clarification for your message. To use quote blocks, you need to place a greater-than sign (>) at the beginning of each line that you want to quote.
How to Use Lists
Lists are another type of text formatting that are used to organize information in a structured and ordered way. Lists are helpful when you want to present multiple items or options in a concise and clear manner.
To use lists, you need to start each line of your list with a symbol or a number, followed by a space. You can use an asterisk (*) or a hyphen (-) for unordered lists, and numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) for ordered lists.
How to Use Text Formatting Shortcuts on Android and iPhone
If you are using WhatsApp on your Android or iPhone device, you can also use some shortcuts to format your messages without typing the symbols or characters manually. Here are the steps to use text formatting shortcuts on Android and iPhone:
- Android: Tap and hold the text that you have entered in the text field, then choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, or Monospace from the pop-up menu. You can also tap More to choose Code Block, Quote Block, or List from the submenu.
- iPhone: Double tap the text that you have entered in the text field, then tap Format from the pop-up menu. You can choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, Monospace, Code Block, Quote Block, or List from the submenu.
Note that these shortcuts only work for the text that you have already entered in the text field. If you want to format your text while typing, you still need to use the symbols or characters as explained above.
How to Use Text Formatting Tools on WhatsApp Web and Desktop
If you are using WhatsApp on your web browser or desktop app, you can also use some tools to format your messages without typing the symbols or characters manually. Here are the steps to use text formatting tools on WhatsApp Web and Desktop:
- Keyboard shortcuts: You can use some keyboard shortcuts to apply text formatting options to your messages. Here are the keyboard shortcuts for each text formatting option:
- Bold: Ctrl + B (Windows) or Command + B (Mac)
- Italic: Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac)
- Strikethrough: Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows) or Command + Shift + S (Mac)
- Monospace: Ctrl + Shift + M (Windows) or Command + Shift + M (Mac)
- Code Block: Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) or Command + Shift + C (Mac)
- Quote Block: Ctrl + Shift + Q (Windows) or Command + Shift + Q (Mac)
- Formatting toolbar: You can also use the formatting toolbar to apply text formatting options to your messages. The formatting toolbar is located at the top of the text field, next to the emoji and attachment icons. You can click on the formatting icon (A) to open the toolbar, and then choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, Monospace, Code Block, Quote Block, or List from the toolbar.
Note that these tools only work for the text that you have selected in the text field. If you want to format your text while typing, you still need to use the symbols or characters as explained above.
Tips and Tricks for Using WhatsApp Advanced Text Formatting
Here are some tips and tricks for using text formatting on WhatsApp:
- You can mix and match different text formatting options to create unique combinations and effects.
- You can use text formatting to highlight important information, add emphasis or emotion, or create contrast or variety in your messages.
- You can use text formatting to organize your information in a clear and structured way, especially when you are sending long or complex messages.
- You can use text formatting to make your messages more readable and attractive, but don’t overdo it or abuse it. Use text formatting sparingly and appropriately for your purpose and audience.
You can also check out our blog, WhatsApp Video Messages: A Step-by-Step Guide for more tips and tutorials on WhatsApp Video Messages. WhatsApp, with over 2 billion users, lets you send text, voice, photos, and more. It also has video messages, 15-second clips capturing your voice and expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Text formatting is a fun and useful feature that can enhance your WhatsApp messages and make them more expressive and engaging. You can use text formatting to change the appearance of your text by using certain symbols or characters, or by using shortcuts and tools on your mobile or desktop devices. You can use basic text formatting options like bold, italic, strikethrough, and monospace, as well as advanced text formatting options like code blocks, quote blocks, and lists.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to use WhatsApp advanced text formatting options. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below.
How to Use WhatsApp Advanced Text Formatting Options