Instant messaging is constantly evolving, and WhatsApp is leading the way with text-based innovations to deliver increasingly dynamic and expressive conversations. If you want to stay up to date with the latest messaging features, bold, italics, strikethrough, monospaced and other advanced formats, here we tell you how to get the most out of all these new features, both on Android and iOS.
Try all the new text formatting features in WhatsApp
WhatsApp recently added the long-awaited feature of Advanced formatting of your messages. Now, in addition to the classic options like bold or italics, you can use bulleted lists, numbered lists, block quotes, and codes, allowing you to better organize and highlight important information in your chats, making it easier to read and communicate, especially in group or work conversations.
How to install the latest version and access new features
To start enjoying these options, make sure you have the latest version of the official WhatsApp app installed in your Android device or iOS. If you want to do it from the official website:
- Access the official WhatsApp page from your PC or mobile.
- Select “Download” and choose the appropriate operating system.
- Download the APK file (for Android) if it's not already available on Google Play.
- If you download it to your computer, transfer the APK to your smartphone via USB or through services like Google Drive.
- Enable the option to install apps from "unknown sources" on your Android device to complete the installation.
Once the app is installed, you will have all the available new text formats in WhatsAppBelow, we explain how to use them step by step, with examples.
How to write in bold, italics, strikethrough, and more formats on WhatsApp
WhatsApp offers two main methods for formatting:
- Use the context menuSelect the text you want to edit, tap and hold, and choose the formatting option (bold, italics, strikethrough, monospace) from the menu that appears. Available on Android and iOS.
- Symbol commands: Type the desired text between the corresponding symbols. It's quick and you can combine multiple styles at once. Here's the complete list of formats:
- Bold font: Write the text between asterisks (*). Example: *Hello* it will look like Hi !. Do you want to learn how to cross out text in WhatsApp?
- Italics: Use underscores (_). Example: _Hello_ it will look like Hi !.
- Strikethrough: Write between tildes (~). Example: ~goodbye~ will show as
goodbye. - Monospaced: For code-type text, use three grave accents (`). Example: "`Hello"` will result in
Hola. - Code blocks: With a single grave accent at the beginning and end (`). Example: `your code` will show it highlighted.
How to create lists, appointments, and codes in WhatsApp
- Bulleted lists: Type a hyphen (-) or an asterisk (*) followed by a space, then your text. Press Enter to continue adding elements. Example:
– First element
– Second element - Numbered lists: Start a line with a number, a period, and a space. Example:
1. Element one
2. Element two - Blockquotes: Type the greater than symbol (>) followed by a space and the text. This only applies to the beginning of a line. Example:
> This is a cited text. - Aligned code: To distinguish technical information, enclose the text with a grave accent (`). Example:
`Code here`
Combinations and practical uses of text formatting in WhatsApp
An advanced feature is the possibility of combining several formats in a single word or phraseYou can write text that is simultaneously bold, italic, and strikethrough, for example. You just need to place the correct symbol before and after the text, remembering that the first symbol you use to open the format must be the last one you close. Example:
_~Text here~_ will give this result: Text here
This versatility is especially useful for writing organized messages, highlight information in to-do lists, instructions, code snippets, or to provide extra context to your conversations.
Why use text formats in WhatsApp?
Apply rich format in your messages helps you communicate more clearly and effectively. Some advantages include:
- Highlight information important or urgent in bold.
- Distinguish phrases from other languages, names of works, titles or quotes using italics.
- Mark invalid or deleted information with a strikethrough.
- Display ordered or numbered lists for instructions and tasks.
- Present technical snippets with monospace or aligned code so they are easy to identify.
Additionally, WhatsApp automatically generates link previews when you paste a URL, making it easier to integrate external information into your conversation.
Additional tips and tricks to take advantage of text formatting in WhatsApp
- You can combine formats in any order, but it's recommended to start with monospace if you're going to include it.
- On mobile devices, if you prefer not to remember symbols, use the context menu after selecting text.
- There's no need to install additional apps or use extensions: all options are built into the official app.
- In groups, take advantage of formats to organize and make relevant information much more visual.
Thanks to these new features, WhatsApp is solidifying its position as the most complete and flexible instant messaging app, allowing you to enrich and personalize your messages like never before. Mastering these tricks will improve your communication and make your chats much clearer, more effective, and more visually appealing. Have you already tried all the text formatting options in WhatsApp? Tell us about your experience or share your best combinations in the comments at the bottom of this article.