WhatsApp Fonts: Bold, Italic & More

Generate WhatsApp’s native formatting (*bold*, _italic_, ~strikethrough~) and Unicode fonts to copy and paste into chats, statuses and your profile name.

Native WhatsApp formatting

Bold

Type an asterisk on each side

Italic

Type an underscore on each side

Strikethrough

Type a tilde on each side

Monospace

Type three backticks on each side

Unicode fonts for WhatsApp

How to make bold, italic and strikethrough text in WhatsApp

WhatsApp ships with four native text formats triggered by symbols: bold with asterisks (*text*), italic with underscores (_text_), strikethrough with tildes (~text~) and monospace with three backticks (```text```). When you send the message, the symbols disappear and the text shows with the style applied.

With this tool you don’t need to remember any symbols: type your phrase, hit “Copy” on the format you want and paste the result straight into the chat. Each card shows exactly what to type and how it will look once sent.

Formats can be combined too: *_hello_* produces text that is bold and italic at the same time. And on mobile you can select text and use WhatsApp’s context menu to apply formatting without symbols.

Fancy WhatsApp fonts with Unicode

Beyond the native formats, you can use WhatsApp fonts based on Unicode: script, gothic, small caps, circled letters and many more styles. They aren’t an installed font — they are special characters from the Unicode standard that render as styled text on almost any device.

The big advantage is that they work where native formatting can’t reach: in your profile name, your about line, your statuses — and outside WhatsApp too. Type your text above and copy your favorite style from the list.

Looking for styles for another social network? Try the Instagram fonts page or the full fancy text generator.

Native formatting vs Unicode fonts

Each option has its territory. Native formatting is cleaner and more accessible inside chats; Unicode letters are the only way to style your profile, and they work in every app.

Native formatting (*_~) Unicode fonts
Where the style shows Only inside WhatsApp In any app: WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok…
Profile name and status Does not work Works
In-chat search Finds the plain text May not find converted text
Screen readers Read it normally May read it letter by letter
Available styles 4 (bold, italic, strikethrough, mono) 13+ different styles

An accessibility tip: screen readers may read Unicode letters character by character, so save them for names and decorative details, and use native formatting (or plain text) for messages that matter.

How to use fonts in your status and profile name

1

Type your name or phrase in the field above and pick a Unicode style from the list (asterisk formatting doesn’t work in profiles).

2

Copy the result and open WhatsApp → Settings → your profile, or create a new text status.

3

Paste the text into the name, about or status field and save. The style sticks because these are real characters, not formatting.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make text bold in WhatsApp?
Type an asterisk before and after the text: *hello* turns into bold hello when you send the message. You can also select the text and use WhatsApp’s own formatting menu. With this tool you just type your phrase and copy the version already wrapped in asterisks.
How do I write in italics or strikethrough on WhatsApp?
For italics wrap the text in underscores (_text_), and for strikethrough use tildes (~text~). For monospace, type three backticks on each side (```text```). These are the four native formats WhatsApp recognizes.
Can I use fancy letters in my profile name and status?
The asterisk and underscore formatting only works inside messages. For your profile name, about line and text statuses you need Unicode letters: generate your text with the style list on this page, copy it and paste it into the right field.
Why do some letters show as boxes or odd symbols?
Unicode letters depend on the fonts installed on each device. The most common styles (bold, italic, script) render fine on almost every modern phone, but a very decorative style may appear as a box on older systems. When in doubt, send the text to yourself first.
Does the *bold* format work outside WhatsApp?
No. Asterisks and underscores are a WhatsApp-only convention; on Instagram or TikTok the symbols would show as-is. To style text outside WhatsApp use Unicode letters, which work in any app because they are real characters.
Is this tool free and private?
Yes. Everything is generated in your browser: your text is never sent to a server, and you can convert as many phrases as you like without signing up. If you also want to keep an eye on message length, try the character counter.