Format Skype Text Chats: Bold, Italics, and More

Skype chat formatting lets you emphasize text with options such as bold, italics, strikethrough, and code-style text, although the available tools can vary by Skype version and device. In many desktop versions, you can apply formatting with keyboard shortcuts or Markdown-like characters; on mobile, check the compose menu because shortcuts may not be available.

Formatting options in Skype chats

Text formatting changes how a message appears, not what it says. Common options in Skype have included:

• Bold for emphasis, such as Important: or a key deadline.
• Italic for titles, light emphasis, or a word used in a particular sense.
• Strikethrough to show text that has been revised or is no longer relevant.
• Monospaced text for code, commands, or text where keeping characters aligned matters.

Availability and presentation are not guaranteed to be identical in every Skype client. A recipient using another device or an older app may see formatting differently, and plain-text contexts may show the characters you typed rather than styled text.

Ways to format a message

On supported Skype desktop versions, a common way to format text is to enclose it in paired characters before sending. For example, asterisks around words can produce bold, underscores can produce italics, and tildes can produce strikethrough. Backticks are commonly used for monospaced text.

• Bold: type *urgent* to display urgent.
• Italic: type _please review_ to display please review.
• Strikethrough: type ~old time~ to display old time.
• Monospaced: type `npm install` to display npm install.

These examples describe formatting syntax supported in some Skype clients, not a promise that every current app accepts every pattern. If the characters remain visible after sending, that client did not interpret the syntax. Remove or edit the message if needed, then try the formatting controls in your version of Skype.

Some desktop versions also support selecting text and using keyboard shortcuts. Common shortcuts include Ctrl+B for bold, Ctrl+I for italics, and Ctrl+Shift+X for strikethrough on Windows; Mac versions may use Command in place of Ctrl. Shortcuts can differ between releases, so use the in-app formatting toolbar or menu when a key combination does not work.

Format text with the compose controls

If typing symbols feels unreliable, use Skype’s message-composition controls when they are available. Depending on the app, a formatting button may appear near the message box or inside an expanded compose toolbar. Select the text and choose a style, or activate a style before typing, then turn it off when you want to return to ordinary text.

1. Open the conversation and click or tap the message field.
2. Look for a formatting icon or an overflow menu near the compose area.
3. Select the text you want to change, or choose a style before entering the text.
4. Preview the message if the client provides a preview, then send it.

Mobile layouts often hide less frequently used controls to make room for the keyboard. Tap a plus sign, menu icon, or formatting control if one is shown. If there is no formatting option, the mobile client may not offer that feature in the current view; sending a simple, readable message is more dependable than relying on unsupported symbols.

Practical examples and etiquette

Formatting is most useful when it clarifies structure. For example, a short message such as *Meeting moved to 3 p.m.* makes a change easy to notice. Italics can distinguish a book or film title, while monospaced text helps prevent confusion in a command such as git status. Avoid styling every sentence: if everything is bold, nothing stands out.

Be careful with punctuation around formatting marks. Pair the opening and closing characters around the intended words, and avoid adding spaces immediately inside them. For example, *notice* is more likely to be recognized than * notice *. If punctuation is part of the emphasized text, place it consistently inside or outside the markers and check the result before sending.

Formatting does not create a heading, change a message into a file, or make a message private. It is visual emphasis only. For long instructions, use short paragraphs, numbered steps, or a shared document rather than trying to make a single chat bubble carry a complex layout.

When formatting does not work

If a message appears with literal asterisks or underscores, first check whether you are using a Skype version that supports that syntax. Try the compose toolbar or keyboard shortcut instead. Also check that the markers are paired and that the message is not being entered into a field or integration that treats it as plain text.

• Only one part is styled: check for a missing closing marker or extra punctuation that interrupts the pair.
• Shortcut does nothing: click in the message editor, select the text, and check the app’s current menu for the supported command.
• Recipient sees different styling: the recipient’s app or display context may handle formatting differently.
• Text looks cluttered: remove unnecessary styles and use plain sentences or line breaks.

Skype’s product and app availability have changed over time, and interface details can differ between platforms. If the exact steps above do not match your screen, consult the help information built into the installed app or the current Skype support pages, and treat the visible formatting controls as the reliable guide for that version.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make text bold in Skype?
On supported desktop versions, try wrapping the words in asterisks, such as *hello*, or select the words and choose Bold in the formatting controls. If the asterisks remain visible, use the controls available in your app.

How do I italicize text in Skype?
Some Skype clients recognize underscores around the text, such as _hello_. You can also use the formatting menu or the app’s supported keyboard shortcut if available.

Can I format Skype messages on a phone?
It depends on the mobile app and its current interface. Check the compose area for a formatting button or menu; desktop shortcuts may not work on a phone.

Why are my formatting symbols showing in the message?
Your client may not support that syntax, or the markers may not be paired correctly. Use the app’s formatting controls, or remove the symbols and send the text plainly.

Can I change the font size or color in a Skype chat?
Do not assume those options are available in a message composer. The commonly supported chat styles are limited, and controls can differ by version. Check the current app rather than relying on formatting codes from another messaging service.

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