How to format text in WhatsApp messages
WhatsApp text formatting lets you change how selected words look in a message.
You can use formatting to make text bold, italic, strikethrough, monospace, or easier to scan with lists, quotes, and inline code.
For businesses, this can make WhatsApp messages clearer. Formatting can help highlight a delivery time, order number, discount, deadline, or next step.
The goal is not to decorate the message. The goal is to make the message easier to read.
WhatsApp formatting shortcuts
Use these shortcuts when writing a WhatsApp message.
Do not add spaces between the formatting characters and the text.
Correct:*Your order is ready*
Incorrect:* Your order is ready *
How to write bold text in WhatsApp
Use bold text when something needs attention.
To make text bold in WhatsApp, add an asterisk on both sides of the text:
*Your delivery arrives today*
Bold works well for:
Delivery dates
Pickup deadlines
Offer details
Booking times
Important updates
Main actions
Example:
Hi Anna, your order is ready for pickup.
Pickup deadline: Friday at 18:00
Show this message in store.
How to write italic text in WhatsApp
Use italic text for short notes or softer emphasis. To make text italic in WhatsApp, add an underscore on both sides of the text:
_Valid online only_
Italic works well for:
Conditions
Short notes
Extra context
Small reminders
Supporting details
Example:
Your loyalty reward is ready.
Use it before Sunday.
Valid online only.
How to use strikethrough in WhatsApp
Use strikethrough when something has changed.
To add strikethrough in WhatsApp, place a tilde on both sides of the text:
~€49~ now €39
Strikethrough works well for:
Price changes
Updated offers
Replaced information
Changed delivery times
Removed options
Example:
Weekend offer: €49 now €39.
Shop before midnight: [link]
How to use monospace in WhatsApp
Monospace gives text a fixed-width style. To use monospace in WhatsApp, add three backticks before and after the text:
<code>ABC123</code>
Monospace works well for:
Codes
Order IDs
Reference numbers
Support case numbers
Technical details
Example:
Your verification code is:483920
Do not share this code with anyone.
How to use lists, quotes, and inline code in WhatsApp
WhatsApp also supports simple formatting for structured messages.
A bulleted list can help when you need to share several points:
- Track order- Start return- Contact support
A numbered list works well for step-by-step instructions:
1. Open the link2. Confirm your details3. Submit your request
A quote can highlight a specific update:
> Your delivery time has changed
Inline code can help make short values stand out:
<code>Order-4829</code>
These formats are useful for customer service, order updates, support replies, and onboarding messages.
Can you combine WhatsApp formatting?
Yes, some WhatsApp formatting can be combined.
For example, you can make text bold and italic:
*_Important update_*
You can also combine bold and strikethrough:
*~Old offer~*
This will display as:
Old offer
Keep combinations limited. Too many styles in one message can make the message harder to read.
Best practices for WhatsApp text formatting
Formatting should make WhatsApp messages easier to scan. Use it to guide the reader to the most important part of the message.
Best practices:
Use bold for the main point
Use italic for short notes
Use strikethrough only when showing a change
Use monospace or inline code for codes and IDs
Use lists for steps or options
Keep the CTA clear
Avoid formatting full paragraphs
Test the message before sending
A WhatsApp message should still work without formatting. The formatting should only make it clearer.
WhatsApp formatting for marketing messages
In WhatsApp marketing, formatting can help highlight offers, product details, event dates, or loyalty rewards.
Example:
Your birthday reward is ready 🎉
20% off your next order
Valid until Sunday
Shop here: [link]
This works because the message is short, the offer is clear, and the formatting supports the main point.
Avoid messages that feel overloaded:
🔥 BIG OFFER 🔥
SHOP NOW!!!DON’T MISS OUT
[link]
Too much formatting can make the message look noisy and less trustworthy.
WhatsApp formatting with business messaging APIs
For businesses sending WhatsApp messages at scale, formatting should be planned as part of the message copy.
This is especially important for:
WhatsApp template messages
Automated reminders
Delivery updates
Customer service replies
Marketing messages
Authentication messages
When using MyLINK WhatsApp API, businesses can send WhatsApp messages, media messages, interactive messages, template messages, delivery reports, and replies. Formatting should be tested before sending, especially in templates and automated flows, to make sure the final message is clear and displays as expected.
Common WhatsApp formatting mistakes
WhatsApp formatting should make the message easier to read. If too much text is formatted, or too many styles are used at the same time, the message can quickly feel cluttered and harder to act on.
Avoid:
Adding spaces inside formatting characters
Formatting too much text
Combining too many styles
Using strikethrough when nothing has changed
Using monospace for long paragraphs
Making the CTA hard to find
Making the message look like spam
The safest approach is to format one or two key parts of the message, not the full message.
Did you find the article and topic interesting?
If you would like to explore the subject further, discuss ideas, or understand how it could apply to your business, we are here to continue the conversation.