WhatsApp has revolutionized the way we communicate, offering instant messaging capabilities to billions of users worldwide. While its core functionality revolves around sending and receiving text messages, WhatsApp also provides various options to customize your chats. One such customization involves changing the font and text style, allowing you to add emphasis, flair, and personality to your conversations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through different methods to change writing on WhatsApp, covering everything from basic formatting to advanced techniques.
Basic Text Formatting on WhatsApp
WhatsApp offers built-in formatting options that are incredibly easy to use. These methods utilize special characters placed before and after the text you wish to format. Here’s a breakdown of the basic formatting options:
1. Bold Text
To make your text bold, simply enclose it within asterisks (*). For example:
*This text will appear bold.*
This will display as: This text will appear bold.
Steps:
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to type the message.
- Type an asterisk (*) before the first word you want to bold.
- Type your message.
- Type an asterisk (*) after the last word you want to bold.
- Send the message.
2. Italic Text
To italicize your text, enclose it within underscores (_). For example:
_This text will appear in italics._
This will display as: This text will appear in italics.
Steps:
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to type the message.
- Type an underscore (_) before the first word you want to italicize.
- Type your message.
- Type an underscore (_) after the last word you want to italicize.
- Send the message.
3. Strikethrough Text
To apply a strikethrough to your text, enclose it within tildes (~). For example:
~This text will have a strikethrough.~
This will display as: This text will have a strikethrough.
Steps:
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to type the message.
- Type a tilde (~) before the first word you want to strikethrough.
- Type your message.
- Type a tilde (~) after the last word you want to strikethrough.
- Send the message.
4. Monospace Text
To display your text in a monospace font, enclose it within three backticks (). For example:
This text will appear in monospace.
This will display as: This text will appear in monospace.
Steps:
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to type the message.
- Type three backticks () before the first word you want to format as monospace.
- Type your message.
- Type three backticks () after the last word you want to format as monospace.
- Send the message.
Combining Formatting Options
You can combine these formatting options to create more complex text styles. For example, you can make text both bold and italic by using asterisks and underscores together:
*_This text will be both bold and italic._*
This will display as: This text will be both bold and italic.
Important Note: The order of the special characters matters. Make sure to close the formatting in the reverse order in which you opened it. For example, if you start with an asterisk and then an underscore, you should close with an underscore and then an asterisk.
Changing the Default Font on WhatsApp
WhatsApp doesn’t offer a direct setting to change the default font of the app. However, you can adjust the font size within the app’s settings.
Changing Font Size on Android
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap on the three vertical dots (menu) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap on Chats.
- Tap on Font size.
- Choose between Small, Medium (default), or Large.
Changing Font Size on iOS (iPhone)
On iOS, WhatsApp uses the system-wide font size settings. To change the font size, you need to adjust it in your iPhone’s settings:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Display & Brightness.
- Tap on Text Size.
- Adjust the slider to your desired font size. This will affect the font size in all apps that support Dynamic Type, including WhatsApp.
Alternatively, you can also adjust the font size through Accessibility settings:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Accessibility.
- Tap on Display & Text Size.
- Tap on Larger Text for even bigger font size options. You can then use the slider to adjust the text size.
Using Third-Party Apps and Websites for Custom Fonts
While WhatsApp doesn’t natively support changing the font to different styles, you can use third-party apps or websites to generate text in various fonts and then copy and paste it into your WhatsApp chats.
Popular Font Generator Websites and Apps
- YayText: YayText is a popular website that allows you to generate text in various fancy fonts. Simply type your text, choose a font, and copy the generated text to paste into WhatsApp.
- Cool Fancy Text Generator: Similar to YayText, this website offers a wide range of fancy fonts and styles to choose from.
- Fonts for WhatsApp (Apps): There are several apps available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store that offer custom fonts for WhatsApp. These apps typically work by allowing you to type your message within the app, choose a font, and then copy and paste the formatted text into WhatsApp. Be cautious when downloading such apps, as some may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions. Research and read reviews before installing any third-party app.
Steps for Using Font Generator Websites
- Open your web browser and go to a font generator website like YayText or Cool Fancy Text Generator.
- Type your message in the text input field.
- Browse through the available font options and choose the one you like.
- Copy the generated text.
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where you want to send the message.
- Paste the copied text into the message field.
- Send the message.
Important Considerations When Using Third-Party Fonts
- Compatibility: Keep in mind that not all fonts generated by third-party apps and websites may be visible to all WhatsApp users. Some fonts might appear as boxes or question marks if the recipient’s device doesn’t support the specific character encoding. Stick to widely supported styles for the best compatibility.
- Security: Be cautious when using third-party apps, especially those that require access to your WhatsApp data. Only download apps from trusted sources and read reviews before installing them. Some apps may contain malware or collect your personal information.
- Readability: While fancy fonts can add flair to your messages, prioritize readability. Avoid using fonts that are difficult to read, especially in important conversations. Overuse of custom fonts can also be distracting.
- Unicode: Most of these font generators use Unicode characters to create the different styles. While Unicode is generally well-supported, older devices or operating systems might not display them correctly.
Using WhatsApp Web Formatting Shortcuts
If you’re using WhatsApp Web (the browser-based version of WhatsApp), you can still use the basic formatting shortcuts mentioned earlier (asterisks for bold, underscores for italics, etc.). The process is exactly the same as on the mobile app.
Troubleshooting Text Formatting Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues with text formatting on WhatsApp. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Text not formatting correctly: Double-check that you’ve used the correct special characters (asterisks, underscores, tildes, backticks) and that they are placed correctly before and after the text you want to format. Make sure you haven’t accidentally added extra spaces or characters within the formatting markers.
- Recipient not seeing the formatted text: If the recipient is using an older version of WhatsApp, they might not be able to see the formatted text. Encourage them to update to the latest version of WhatsApp. Compatibility issues with third-party fonts can also cause this.
- Font generator text not displaying correctly: This usually happens when the recipient’s device doesn’t support the specific Unicode characters used in the generated font. Try using a different font or sticking to basic formatting options.
Beyond Basic Formatting: Rich Text Alternatives
While WhatsApp’s native formatting is limited, you can achieve richer text styles by creating images with stylized text and sending them as media. This offers more control over font choices, colors, and overall design.
Creating Text Images
- Use a graphic design app: Apps like Canva, Adobe Spark Post, or even simple image editing apps on your phone allow you to create images with custom text.
- Add text to an existing image: You can also add stylized text to a photo or other image before sending it.
- Consider the context: This method is best for special announcements, invitations, or when you want to create a visually appealing message. It’s not practical for everyday conversations.
Accessibility Considerations
When customizing your WhatsApp text, it’s important to consider accessibility for users with visual impairments. Avoid using fonts that are too small or difficult to read. Ensure sufficient contrast between the text and background color. Use bold text sparingly to highlight important information, but avoid overusing it, as it can be overwhelming for some readers. Keep font sizes reasonably large and test your chosen font styles with different screen brightness settings to ensure readability in various conditions.
Conclusion
Changing the writing on WhatsApp, whether through basic formatting, font size adjustments, or third-party font generators, allows you to personalize your conversations and express yourself more creatively. While WhatsApp doesn’t offer extensive font customization options, the available methods provide enough flexibility to add emphasis, flair, and personality to your messages. Remember to prioritize readability and compatibility when using custom fonts, and always be cautious when downloading third-party apps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can master the art of text formatting on WhatsApp and enhance your communication experience.