Do you want to learn how to italicize text on Discord?
Italics is a popular formatting style, similar to that of bolding or underlining, that adds emphasis to digital text. It can be used for humor, sarcasm, or in general as a means to indicate titles (of films, television shows, books, etc.) or draw attention to important information.
Italicizing text in Discord can be done in several ways, which include right-clicking and highlighting, using keyboard shortcuts, and typing in markup language.
But don’t worry if this sounds complicated!
Below, this guide explains how to italicize on Discord, complete with simple step-by-step instructions and images.
How to Italicize Text On Discord
There are three ways to italicize text on Discord. This guide explains all three ways in 5 easy-to-follow steps so you can try out each method and see which one you prefer the most.
Quick note: The following instructions explain how to italicize on Discord in the desktop app and web browser version of Discord.
It’s also worth mentioning that when you italicize text on Discord, a single asterisk will appear on either side of the text.
These asterisks (used in markup language) indicate that the text is formatted in italics. Despite that, the asterisks will not be displayed in the message that you send or post.
Highlighting and right-clicking
Step
Composing your message
Start by typing out the message you wish to send or post within your Discord chat.
Ensure your message is fully composed before proceeding to the next step.
This is where you decide the part of the text you want to emphasize using italics.
Step
Selecting text for italicization
Once your message is ready, use your mouse or trackpad to highlight the specific text segment that you want to italicize. Carefully drag your cursor over the text to ensure only the desired portion is selected.
Step
Accessing text formatting options
With your desired text highlighted, right-click on it to open the contextual menu. This menu provides various options for manipulating text, including formatting styles.
Step
Applying italic formatting
In the contextual menu that appears after right-clicking, look for the “I” symbol, which represents the italic formatting option. Click on this symbol to apply italic formatting to your selected text.
Step
Finalizing the formatting
After clicking on the “I” symbol, your selected text will now be enclosed within single asterisks (*). This indicates that the text is set to display in italics.
You can now proceed to send or post your message on Discord, and the italicized text will appear properly formatted to all recipients or viewers in the chat.
Keyboard shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts for text formatting like italics in Discord can greatly speed up your typing and messaging efficiency, especially during fast-paced chats or when multitasking.
Step
Begin your message in Discord
Start typing your message in the Discord chat. When you reach the point where you want to insert italicized text, stop typing momentarily.
This step is crucial for setting up the correct placement of the italicized text within your message.
Step
Activating italics shortcut
To initiate the italic formatting, press “Cmd” on Mac or “Ctrl” on PC, and hold it. While holding this key, press “I.” This combination activates the italics feature.
You’ll see two asterisks appear in your message, with the text cursor positioned between them, indicating the start of the italicized section.
Step
Typing the italicized text
Now, type the text you wish to italicize within these asterisks. The text will be automatically formatted in italics as you type.
Remember, for italicization, Discord uses a single asterisk on either side of the text.
Step
Continuing with non-italicized text
If you wish to continue typing in a regular, non-italicized format after your italicized section, simply move your text cursor outside the closing asterisk. This action will end the italic formatting, allowing you to continue typing normally.
Step
Completing your message
Once you have finished typing your message with the italicized section included, you can send it. The italicized text will be clearly distinguished from the rest of your message, providing emphasis where needed.
Markup Language
Using markup language for text formatting in Discord is a straightforward way to add emphasis to your messages. It’s particularly useful for highlighting key points or conveying tone in your text-based communications.
Step
Start your Discord message
Begin by typing your message in the Discord chat interface. When you reach the point where you wish to add italicized text, pause your typing. This step sets up the location in your message where the italicized text will appear.
Step
Initiating italic formatting
To start the italicization, press ‘Shift’ and ‘8’ simultaneously on your keyboard. This action will insert a single asterisk (*) at the point in your message where you want your italicized text to begin.
In Discord’s markup language, an asterisk is used to denote italicization.
Step
Entering your italicized text
Immediately after the asterisk, continue typing the text you want in italics. This text should directly follow the initial asterisk without any spaces, as spaces can disrupt the formatting process.
Step
Closing the italicized section
Once you’ve finished typing the text you want in italics, you need to close off the italicized section. Do this by typing another asterisk (Shift + 8) immediately after your italicized text.
Ensure there are no spaces between your text and this closing asterisk.
Step
Finalizing your message
Your italicized text is now complete, formatted between two asterisks. You can proceed to finish typing the rest of your message.
When you send your message, the text between the asterisks will be displayed in italics in the chat.
How To Make Text Bold On Discord
Bold text is another common formatting style to make part, or all, of a message stand out. In general, it is used to draw attention to something important.
You will be glad to know that making text bold on Discord follows the same process explained above to italicize text, with three different methods.
Highlighting and right-clicking: Highlight the text you want to make bold, right-click on it, and select the “B” icon for bold.
Keyboard shortcuts: Before typing the text you want formatted in bold, press “cmd” OR “ctrl” (depending on if you use Mac or PC) and “B” on your keyboard at the same time.
Markup language: When typing, type two asterisks without spaces (shift + 8) before and after the text you want to be in bold.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to italicize, experiment and start getting creative with text formatting when posting and sending messages in Discord!
In addition to italicizing text, you can make text bold, underline text, and strikethrough text.
Formatting in these styles follows a similar process to the instructions we listed above, so make sure to try out each formatting style to add some flair to the way you communicate on Discord.
