How to format text in WhatsApp and anywhere that supports markdown

Posted by petertom on Jul 27, 2026 at 11:55 AM UTC

Emphasize & Style Text
• Bold: Put asterisks around words ➔ Important! ➔ Important!
• Italics: Put underscores around words ➔ Quick note ➔ Quick note
• ~Strikethrough:~ Put tildes around words ➔ ~Old Price~ ➔ ~Old Price~
• Monospace: Put 3 backticks around words ➔ Code/Password ➔ Monospace
Lists & Structure
• Bullet List: Type a dash or asterisk, then a space ➔ - Item 1 or * Item 1
• Numbered List: Type a number, dot, and a space ➔ 1. First step
• Block Quote: Type a greater-than symbol and space ➔ > Key highlight
• Inline Code: Put 1 backtick around text ➔ npm start

💡 Pro Tip: You can combine styles! Wrap text like bold italics to combine them, or just press and hold selected text on your phone to pick formatting from the menu!

Use case examples in the comment section:

#education #technology #advice

See more posts

Comments (1)

petertom — Jul 27, 2026 at 11:58 AM UTC

Bold ➔ Use *asterisks*
Use Case: Highlighting critical alerts or deadlines.
Example: Please submit the report before *5:00 PM today*! ➔ Please submit the report before 5:00 PM today!
Italics ➔ Use _underscores_
Use Case: Adding subtle emphasis, book/film titles, or side thoughts.
Example: I just finished reading _Atomic Habits_, it was great. ➔ I just finished reading Atomic Habits, it was great.
Strikethrough ➔ Use ~tildes~
Use Case: Corrections, sales discounts, or completed tasks.
Example: Price drop! ~ $50 ~ now *$35*! ➔ Price drop! ~ $50 ~ now $35!
Monospace ➔ Use three backticks
Use Case: Sharing passwords, promo codes, addresses, or account numbers so they are distinct and easy to copy.
Example: Use code ```SAVE20``` at checkout. ➔ Use code SAVE20 at checkout.
Bullet Lists ➔ Type - or * followed by a space
Use Case: Quick grocery lists, features, or event agendas.
Example:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
Numbered Lists ➔ Type 1. followed by a space
Use Case: Step-by-step instructions or rankings.
Example:
1. Turn off the router
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Plug it back in
Block Quotes ➔ Type > followed by a space
Use Case: Pinpointing a specific message you're replying to, or sharing a key quote/insight.
Example:
> "Meeting moved to Room B"
Thanks for the update!

How to format text in WhatsApp and anywhere that supports markdown

Comments (1)

Note App