How to Circle a Word on WhatsApp: A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Steps

WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging app, is constantly evolving, adding features to enhance user experience. While it doesn’t have a built-in ‘circle’ tool for text, there are several workarounds to achieve a similar effect, allowing you to emphasize specific words or phrases in your conversations. This article will guide you through these methods, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions for both Android and iOS devices. We’ll explore techniques using third-party apps, image editing, and creative use of symbols and characters. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Challenge: Why No Direct Circle Feature?

Unlike drawing apps or annotation tools, WhatsApp focuses primarily on text-based communication. Its interface is designed for speed and ease of use, emphasizing simplicity over complex editing options. While features like bold, italics, and strikethrough allow basic text formatting, a dedicated circle tool is absent. This limitation forces users to find inventive solutions to highlight crucial words. The lack of a direct circle feature doesn’t imply negligence on the part of WhatsApp developers; rather, it reflects a conscious decision to prioritize core messaging functionality over more intricate editing tools. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t circle words; you just have to get creative!

Method 1: Using Third-Party Keyboard Apps

Several third-party keyboard apps for both Android and iOS offer customizable symbols and characters, including variations of circles, often referred to as ‘enclose’ or ‘bracket’ characters. These apps provide a vast range of formatting options, allowing you to create unique and engaging messages. Here’s how you can use one of these apps:

Step-by-Step Guide: Using a Third-Party Keyboard App

1. Download and Install a Suitable Keyboard App: Begin by heading to the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS) and searching for a keyboard app with symbol support. Examples include:
   • Android: ‘Symbol Keyboard,’ ‘FancyKey,’ ‘Fonts Keyboard’
   • iOS: ‘Symbol Keyboard,’ ‘Fonts,’ ‘Cool Fonts Keyboard’

   Select an app with good reviews and install it on your device.

2. Enable the Keyboard:

   Android: Go to your device’s ‘Settings,’ then ‘System’ or ‘General Management,’ and find ‘Language and Input’ or ‘Keyboard and Input.’ Select ‘Virtual Keyboard’ and then ‘Manage keyboards.’ Enable the newly installed keyboard. You may need to select the keyboard as the default input method. Some keyboards may have their own activation method within their app so follow the on-screen instructions.

   iOS: Go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘General,’ and ‘Keyboard,’ then ‘Keyboards.’ Tap ‘Add New Keyboard’ and select the newly installed keyboard. After selecting the keyboard, you may need to select ‘Allow Full Access’ in settings. This setting is needed by many apps to work properly. Some keyboards may have their own activation method within their app so follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Open WhatsApp: Open the WhatsApp conversation where you wish to circle a word.
4. Switch to the Third-Party Keyboard: Tap on the text input area and then press and hold the globe (or keyboard icon) at the bottom left of the keyboard (Android) or the keyboard icon (iOS). From the menu, select the third-party keyboard you just installed.
5. Locate the Circle Characters: The interface will vary depending on the specific keyboard app you’ve installed. Look for a section dedicated to symbols, decorative elements, or enclosed characters. You may need to navigate through different categories or pages within the keyboard app.
6. Type Your Message: Begin typing your message, and when you reach the word you want to circle, insert the chosen circle characters *before* and *after* the word. Example: ㊣word㊣ or (word). The character surrounding the text will be app specific.
7. Send Your Message: Once you have the desired effect, tap the send button.

Important Considerations for Third-Party Keyboards

• Compatibility: Not all keyboard apps offer the exact circle symbols you’re looking for. Some might offer variations like brackets, parentheses, or stylized characters that approximate a circle.
• Permissions: Granting full access to third-party keyboards comes with potential privacy risks. Ensure you download apps from reputable developers and review the permissions requested. It’s also recommended you read the app’s privacy policy.
• Character Rendering: Depending on the recipient’s device and app settings, the circled text might not render perfectly. Some characters may appear differently or as boxes or other symbols.
• System Performance: Over time, many keyboard apps can consume more processing power and have small performance issues.

Method 2: Image Editing Apps for a Visual Circle

If you prefer a more visually distinct circle, using an image editor is the most effective solution. This approach allows you to draw a perfect circle around any word and send it as an image. While it requires a few extra steps, the result is a clear and precise highlight.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using an Image Editing App

1. Take a Screenshot:

   First, type the text you want to highlight in WhatsApp and then take a screenshot of the message. Make sure the word you want to circle is clearly visible within the screenshot. On most modern Android phones this is done by pressing the power and volume down button simultaneously. On newer iPhones this is done by pressing the power button and volume up button simultaneously. On older iPhones it’s usually the power button and home button at the same time.

2. Install an Image Editing App: If you don’t already have one, install a suitable image editor from the app store. Popular options include:
   • Android: ‘PicsArt,’ ‘Snapseed,’ ‘Adobe Photoshop Express’
   • iOS: ‘PicsArt,’ ‘Pixelmator,’ ‘Phonto’

   Select an app that is easy to use with drawing and annotation tools.

3. Import the Screenshot: Open the image editing app and import the screenshot you just took. Usually you can do this by finding the picture in your phones photo gallery then pressing “share to”, then select the editing app. You can usually access photos directly from the image editing apps also.
4. Use the Drawing Tool: Locate the app’s drawing or annotation tools. Select a drawing tool, often called a pen or brush. Adjust the line’s color, size, and opacity to your preference. Most apps offer color selection wheels or palettes.
5. Draw a Circle: Carefully draw a circle around the word you want to highlight. Use your finger or a stylus for more precision. Alternatively, some apps have shape tools where you can select a circle to assist in drawing.
6. Save the Edited Image: Once you are satisfied with your circle, save the edited image to your device’s gallery.
7. Send the Image on WhatsApp: Go back to your WhatsApp conversation and tap the attachment icon (usually a paperclip or plus sign). Select ‘Gallery,’ and find the edited image you just created. Send the image as a regular message.

Advantages of Image Editing Method

• Visual Precision: You have complete control over the circle’s shape, color, and size. This ensures a clear and noticeable highlight.
• Creative Freedom: You can add other elements like arrows or different shapes for added visual impact.
• Device Compatibility: Since it is an image, the visual will be consistent across all devices and operating systems.

Disadvantages of Image Editing Method

• Time-Consuming: This method is significantly slower than directly typing the message using a keyboard.
• Additional Steps: It involves switching between apps and taking additional steps, increasing the overall process.
• Not Editable: Once the image is sent, the circled text is part of the image and cannot be edited directly in the chat.

Method 3: Using Symbols to Simulate a Circle

If you want a quick and basic way to emphasize a word, you can use standard symbols to simulate a circle without relying on third-party apps. This method isn’t as visually clean as the image editing method, but it’s the easiest and fastest for a quick effect.

Examples of Symbol Combinations:

• Using Parentheses: Simply enclose the word with parentheses: (word)
• Using Brackets: Enclose the word with square brackets: [word]
• Using Braces: Enclose the word with curly braces: {word}
• Using Circles (Unicode characters): There is a limited range of circled numbers and letters, and these can be used to replace words with very short text or as brackets : ①word②. There are also characters such as ⊝ and ⊙ that could be used as visual markers.
• Using Asterisks and Other Symbols: Use repeated symbols around the word. Example: * * word * * or ~ ~ word ~ ~. This can provide a visual separation for words.

Benefits of Using Symbols

• Speed: This method is incredibly fast and requires no additional apps.
• Simplicity: It uses symbols available directly on your keyboard.
• Universal Compatibility: These characters display consistently across different devices and platforms.

Limitations of Using Symbols

• Basic Formatting: This method doesn’t provide a perfectly round circle and is a more approximate simulation.
• Less Visually Appealing: Compared to a drawn circle, symbols might not be as eye-catching or aesthetically pleasing.

Method 4: Using Text Formatting with Emojis

Another quick method to highlight words is by using text formatting along with emojis. While not a direct circle method, you can achieve a similar effect by combining bold or italicized text with emojis.

How to Use Text Formatting with Emojis

1. Select your Text: Type the word or phrase you want to emphasize.
2. Bold, Italicize, or Strikethrough: Add the formatting to the text by using the appropriate characters:
   • Bold: Add asterisks before and after the text. Example: *word*
   • Italic: Add underscores before and after the text. Example: _word_
   • Strikethrough: Add tildes before and after the text. Example: ~word~
3. Add Emojis: Add two of the same emoji on each side of the word. Example: 🌟 *word* 🌟 or ⭕ *word* ⭕.

Benefits of Using Text Formatting with Emojis

• Speed and Simplicity: Easy to accomplish using in-built WhatsApp features.
• Visually Appealing: Can create a visual highlight without using any third-party applications.

Limitations of Using Text Formatting with Emojis

• Not a True Circle: This does not add an actual circle shape around the word.
• Reliance on Emojis: Effectiveness relies on the recipient understanding and seeing the emojis correctly.

Choosing the Best Method for You

The best method to circle a word on WhatsApp depends on your priorities and the level of emphasis you want to achieve:

• For Visual Precision and Creativity: Use the image editing app method. This provides the most control over the appearance of the circle and allows for added visual elements.
• For Speed and Convenience: Using symbols from your keyboard or formatting and emojis is the quickest approach, perfect for casual messages.
• For Flexibility and Added Characters: Third party keyboard apps can provide a wide range of symbols and enclosed characters.

Consider these factors when making your decision:

* How often do you need this feature? If it’s just a once in a while thing, a quick emoji and formatting method is fine. If it’s a feature you need multiple times a day it’s worth finding a good third-party app. If you need a very precise circle each time, image editing is the most effective solution.
* How much time are you willing to spend? Image editing is the most time-consuming. Keyboard apps take time to install and get use to. Using simple symbols and formatting is the quickest method.
* Is device compatibility important? Image editing is the best solution for this.
* What type of visual impact are you looking for? Are you trying to make a word stand out subtly or in a visually engaging manner?

Conclusion

While WhatsApp doesn’t have a direct ‘circle’ text tool, these creative workarounds allow you to emphasize your words in conversations. Whether you choose the visual precision of an image editor, the speed of symbol usage, the flexibility of third-party keyboards, or formatting, you have options. Experiment with different methods to find the best approach for your needs. The next time you need to highlight that crucial word, you’ll know exactly how to circle it (or at least, make it look like you did!) on WhatsApp. By understanding these different techniques, you can enhance your communication and make your messages more impactful. Remember that the beauty of digital messaging lies in its adaptability and creative potential, and these methods are a perfect example of how users can push the boundaries of the available tools.