Do you want to make your WhatsApp messages more expressive and engaging? Would you like to emphasize a word, highlight a concept, or add a touch of irony to your message? Discover how to type in italics on WhatsApp, a simple trick that can make a difference in your digital communication.
With this complete guide, you’ll learn to use italics on WhatsApp like a true pro. We’ll reveal the most effective methods, the lesser-known tricks, and the mistakes to avoid to get the most out of this feature. Whether you’re a casual user or an instant messaging expert, this guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to customize your messages and communicate with style.
What Are Italics and Why Use Them on WhatsApp?
Italics are a writing style where the letters are slanted to the right. It’s widely used in traditional writing to add emphasis, cite titles, or highlight foreign words. On WhatsApp, italics can help you:
- Highlight important information within the text.
- Add a touch of elegance and personality to your messages.
- Express nuances of meaning like sarcasm or emphasis.
- Improve readability and text scanning, especially in longer messages.
How to Type in Italics on WhatsApp: Methods and Tricks
Although WhatsApp doesn’t have a specific button for italics, there are alternative methods to achieve this effect.
Method 1: Underscore (_)
The simplest and most common method to type in italics is to use underscores (_). Enclose the word or phrase you want to format between two underscores, like this: _text_. For example, to write “Hello” in italics, you would type _Hello_. WhatsApp will automatically convert the text to italics when you send it.
Method 2: Copy and Paste
Another method is to copy and paste text already formatted in italics from other applications or websites. Paste the text into your WhatsApp message, and it will be displayed correctly in italics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting underscores: Make sure to place an underscore at both the beginning and the end of the text you want in italics.
- Using different symbols: Only underscores (_) work for italics on WhatsApp.
- Overusing italics: Excessive use of italics can make the text difficult to read and reduce the effectiveness of the emphasis.
Tips for Using Italics Effectively on WhatsApp
- Highlight keywords: Use italics to emphasize specific terms, proper names, or important dates.
- Distinguish titles: If you’re sharing the title of a book, movie, or article, italics will make it more visible.
- Create contrast: Alternate the use of italics with bold to make the text more dynamic and engaging.
- Express your tone of voice: Italics can help you convey irony, sarcasm, or emphasis, adding a personal touch to your messages.
- Organize the text: In long messages, italics can visually separate different sections or highlight important points.
In Brief (TL;DR)
To type in italics on WhatsApp, enclose the text between two underscores (_).
You can also copy and paste italicized text from other sources.
Remember to use italics sparingly to maximize their effect.
Conclusions

Italics, despite not having a dedicated button on WhatsApp, are a valuable resource to enrich your communication. With the simple underscore technique, you can give greater emphasis to your words, express emotions more precisely, and structure your messages more effectively.
Experiment with italics, combine it with bold, and discover how to customize your writing style on WhatsApp. Make your messages clearer, more expressive, and more engaging, improving interaction with your contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions

To type in italics, enclose the text between two underscores (_). For example, _hello_.
To type in bold on WhatsApp, enclose the text between two asterisks (*). For example, *hello*.
Yes, italics with underscores also work on WhatsApp Web.
To type in strikethrough, enclose the text between two tildes (~). For example, ~hello~.
WhatsApp does not have a native function to underline text, but there are alternatives.
WhatsApp has a monospace font that you can use by enclosing the text between three backticks (`). For example, `hello`.
No, WhatsApp does not allow you to change the text color.




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