WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps in the world, and most people have been sending the same plain text messages since the day they signed up. What a lot of people do not realize is that WhatsApp has built-in text formatting support that lets you send bold, italic, strikethrough, and monospace text without any third party app. And beyond that, there is a second method using Unicode that lets you use dozens of additional fancy font styles in your messages, status, and display name.
This guide covers both methods completely so you can start using styled text on WhatsApp today, whether you are on iPhone, Android, or WhatsApp Web.
Method 1 - WhatsApp Built-In Text Formatting
WhatsApp has native support for four text formatting styles that work directly in the message box. You type a special character before and after your text, and WhatsApp converts it to the styled version when you send it. These formatting codes work in individual chats, group chats, and WhatsApp status updates.
Bold
*your text*Wrap text with single asterisks on each side. Works on iPhone, Android and WhatsApp Web.
Italic
_your text_Wrap text with single underscores on each side for italic styling.
Strikethrough
~your text~Wrap text with single tildes on each side for strikethrough effect.
Monospace
```your text```Wrap text with three backticks on each side for a monospace code font. Popular in tech groups.
How to Apply Formatting Without Typing Codes (Mobile)
On WhatsApp mobile, you do not have to type the formatting codes manually if you prefer not to. Type your text in the message box, then long press to select it. A popup appears with options including Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, and Monospace. Tap the one you want and the formatting is applied automatically without any special characters.
How to Combine WhatsApp Formatting Styles
You can combine formatting styles on WhatsApp by nesting the characters. For example, to make text bold and italic at the same time, type *_your text_* with the asterisk outside and the underscore inside. To make text bold and strikethrough simultaneously, type *~your text~*. WhatsApp renders all combinations correctly as long as the formatting characters are nested properly.
Method 2 - Unicode Fancy Fonts for WhatsApp
WhatsApp's built-in formatting gives you four styles. But if you want cursive, gothic, bubble, double struck, or any of dozens of other styles, you need the Unicode method. This works by generating styled Unicode characters on a tool like Textaura and pasting them into WhatsApp.
Unlike WhatsApp's native formatting codes, Unicode styled text does not need any special characters around it. The styled letters themselves are the Unicode characters, so you just paste and send. The recipient sees the styled text exactly as you intended, on any device and any operating system.
How to Use Unicode Fonts in WhatsApp Messages
Step 1 - Open Textaura
Go to textaura.org on any browser. You can do this on your phone's browser while WhatsApp is open in another tab, or do it on your computer and copy across.
Step 2 - Type Your Message Text
Type whatever you want to send in the input box. All the Unicode style options appear instantly below as you type.
Step 3 - Copy Your Chosen Style
Tap or click the copy button next to the style you want. The styled Unicode text is now on your clipboard.
Step 4 - Paste Into WhatsApp
Open your WhatsApp chat, long press in the message box, and tap Paste. The styled text appears exactly as it looked in the generator. Send it and the recipient sees the same styled text on their device.
How to Change Your WhatsApp Display Name Font
Your WhatsApp display name, which is the name contacts see in their chat list and at the top of conversations with you, can also be styled using Unicode characters. Go to WhatsApp Settings, tap your profile at the top, and tap the pencil icon next to your name. Clear the existing name, paste your Unicode styled text, and save. Your styled name is now visible to all your contacts.
How to Use Fancy Fonts in WhatsApp Status
WhatsApp status text updates also fully support Unicode characters. Generate your styled text on Textaura, copy it, and paste it as your WhatsApp status text. The styled font will be visible to everyone who views your status. This is a great way to make a text status stand out from the standard plain text most people post.
Which Fancy Font Styles Work Best on WhatsApp
For WhatsApp messages, readability at a glance matters more than on other platforms because messages are usually read quickly on a small screen. Bold Unicode and bold italic styles work well because they are clearly readable even at small sizes. Script and cursive styles are popular for display names and status updates where the decorative quality matters more than speed reading. Gothic styles work in specific communities but can be harder to read in long messages.
Generate fancy Unicode fonts for WhatsApp messages, status and display name. Free, instant, no account needed.
Open Fancy Text GeneratorFrequently Asked Questions
Do WhatsApp formatting codes work on iPhone?
Yes. WhatsApp's built-in text formatting with asterisks, underscores, tildes, and backticks works identically on iPhone, Android, and WhatsApp Web. The formatted text also displays correctly regardless of which device the recipient uses.
Will Unicode fancy fonts look the same to the person receiving my message?
Yes. Unicode characters are part of a universal text standard supported by every modern smartphone and operating system. The styled text you paste into WhatsApp will look the same on the recipient's screen regardless of whether they use iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac.
Can I bold just one word in a WhatsApp message?
Yes. The formatting codes apply only to the text between the special characters. You can write a normal sentence and bold just one word by putting asterisks around only that word. For example: This is *important* information. Only the word important will appear bold.
Does WhatsApp Web support the same text formatting?
Yes. All four WhatsApp formatting styles and Unicode copy paste both work on WhatsApp Web exactly the same as on the mobile app. On WhatsApp Web you can also select text and use the formatting toolbar that appears to apply bold, italic, strikethrough, and monospace without typing the codes.
Can I change the WhatsApp app font globally on my phone?
WhatsApp does not have a built-in option to change its global font. Some Android phone manufacturers include system-wide font changing features that can affect how WhatsApp looks on your own device, but this does not change how text appears for the people you message. The methods covered in this guide affect how your text looks for everyone, not just you.