What is inline code in WhatsApp? Backticks, monospace and every formatting code
Inline code in WhatsApp is text between single backticks; monospace uses three. The full table of bold, italic, strikethrough, list and quote codes.
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- By WavesFlo team
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- Published
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- 2 min read
Inline code in WhatsApp is text between single backticks, like `this`, which WhatsApp shows in a fixed-width style anywhere in a line. Three backticks make a monospace block, with the contents shown exactly as typed. Both come from WhatsApp's formatting codes, which are plain characters, so they survive the trip between apps.
| Style | What you type | Where it works |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | *text* | Anywhere in a line |
| Italic | _text_ | Anywhere in a line |
| Strikethrough | ~text~ | Anywhere in a line |
| Monospace | ```text``` | Anywhere; contents shown exactly as typed |
| Inline code | `text` | Anywhere in a line |
| Bulleted list | - text or * text | Start of a line only |
| Numbered list | 1. text | Start of a line only |
| Quote | > text | Start of a line only |
The opening and closing marks must touch the words. *Sale today* turns bold; * Sale today * stays as typed, because of the spaces inside the asterisks.
When is inline code useful?
- Sharing a command, a code, a coupon or a reference number that people will copy.
- Separating a technical term from the sentence around it.
- Showing exact spelling, such as a link path, without the app changing it.
There is no option to switch formatting off. If a code does not format, the usual causes are spaces inside the marks, a code in the wrong place (lists, quotes and bullets work only at the start of a line) or a line break that splits the pair. The text formatting guide lists the eight reasons, and the WhatsApp text formatter previews a message before you paste it.
Teams that send codes, order numbers or commands to customers from several WhatsApp numbers can answer all of them from WavesFlo's shared inbox, where every chat has an owner. Each number links from its own phone, so nothing changes for the people still using those phones.
Questions
What is inline code in WhatsApp?
Text between single backticks, shown in a fixed-width style in a line of text.
How do I write monospace in WhatsApp?
Put three backticks before and after the text.
Can I turn formatting off?
No. WhatsApp's help centre notes there is no option to switch formatting off.