**To format WhatsApp messages with bold, italic, strikethrough, and other styles using Papo (https://papo.global/), you just need to type WhatsApp's native formatting syntax directly into the conversation composer. When sent, the recipient's WhatsApp app will interpret the special characters and display the text in the desired style, with no need for additional buttons or menus.**

Text formatting helps highlight important information, organize messages, and make communication clearer and more professional. In Papo, you keep this formatting power without leaving the unified inbox, using the same field where you write your replies, with support for all styles WhatsApp offers.

## Summary of available styles

| Style | Syntax | How it appears in WhatsApp |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Bold | `*text*` | **bold** |
| Italic | `_text_` | _italic_ |
| Strikethrough | `~text~` | ~~strikethrough~~ |
| Monospaced (code) | ``` `text` ``` (triple backtick) | `monospaced text` |
| Combined styles | `*_bold and italic_*` | **_bold and italic_** |

You can use these styles anywhere in the message — at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence — and even combine them for even more emphasis.

## How to apply formatting in practice

The process is simple and requires no extra setup in Papo.

1. Open the desired conversation in Papo's **Conversas** module.
2. In the composer (the text field where you write the message), type the content normally, inserting the formatting characters according to the desired syntax.
3. Send the message as usual. The customer's WhatsApp will display the text with the style already applied.

There are no formatting buttons in Papo's interface — just type the symbols. Bulk sending via **Disparador** or via **official templates (HSM)** also supports formatting, as long as the template content contains the correct syntax.

## Who can benefit from message formatting?

Anyone who uses WhatsApp for support, sales, or campaigns in Papo can take advantage of text styles to:

- Highlight prices, deadlines, or special conditions in **bold**.
- Emphasize product names or technical terms in _italic_.
- Show discounts or old prices with ~~strikethrough~~, indicating a reduction.
- Share code snippets or commands in `monospaced`.
- Humanize and organize support replies, making reading more pleasant and direct.

All of this without leaving the environment where you already manage conversations — whether handling one at a time or sending a campaign to hundreds of contacts.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need to enable any setting in Papo to use formatting?
No. Formatting is a native WhatsApp feature and works automatically when you insert the correct characters in Papo's composer. Just type and send.

### Does the formatting appear in the message preview before sending?
Papo's composer shows the raw text with the syntax characters. The visual effect (bold, italic, etc.) will be rendered only on the customer's device after sending. There is no formatted preview on the agent side.

### Does it work in WhatsApp message templates (HSM)?
Yes. If the template content contains the formatting characters, the message will be displayed with the style applied when the customer receives it. Papo respects exactly the text you registered in the template.

### Can I use formatting in bulk sends via Disparador?
Yes. Disparador sends the content exactly as you define it. If you include the formatting syntax, all recipients will see the formatted text, as long as their WhatsApp version supports the style.

### What happens if the customer uses a very old version of WhatsApp?
Very old versions may not render all styles. However, the vast majority of active users already have a compatible version. The message will be delivered as normal text, without breaking communication.

### Is there a limit on characters or words I can format?
No. You can apply formatting to any part of the message, regardless of length. The limit is WhatsApp's own character limit (up to 1,024 characters for plain text messages).

### Is formatting supported on channels other than WhatsApp?
The syntax presented is specific to WhatsApp. Depending on the channel (Instagram, Messenger, Telegram, etc.), formatting may be different or may not work. For other channels, consult the respective provider's documentation.

## Read also

- [How to send voice messages on WhatsApp in Papo](/c/papo/articles/como-enviar-mensagens-voz-whatsapp-papo)
- [How do I schedule sending a message to a contact?](/c/papo/articles/como-agendar-envio-mensagem-contato)

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