In the world of blogging, small details make a big difference, especially when it comes to text formatting. Whether you’re aiming to highlight a point or enhance readability, using bold, italic, and underline text in WordPress can be incredibly effective.

Today, we’ll dive into the essentials of formatting text in WordPress using the Gutenberg and Classic editors—each with its unique ways to style text for maximum reader engagement.

“Content is the king, but styling it right is the queen!”

Before diving into the details, let’s look at how to format text using both WordPress editors—and if you’re a visual learner, you can watch the embedded video below for a guided walkthrough.

Watch this video tutorial for a visual guide on formatting text in WordPress!

Formatting Text in WordPress Gutenberg Editor

The Gutenberg editor in WordPress offers flexibility and ease when it comes to formatting text.

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Starting with Bold Text in Gutenberg

To begin, navigate to your post within the Gutenberg editor. Write out the text you wish to emphasize.

Here’s how you can make text bold:

  1. Select the Text: Highlight the sentence or words that you want to make bold.
  2. Click the Bold “B” Icon: Look for the formatting bar that appears above. Click on the “B” icon for bold text, and the selected text will immediately appear in bold.
  3. Keyboard Shortcut: Alternatively, press CTRL + B (or Command + B for Mac users) to instantly apply bold formatting.

“Remember, not everything needs to be bold—save it for points you really want to stand out.”

Adding Italics in Gutenberg

Next, to add a subtle emphasis, you may choose to italicize text:

  1. Select the Text: Again, highlight the text you want to italicize.
  2. Click the Italic “I” Icon: Select the “I” icon from the formatting bar.
  3. Use Keyboard Shortcut: For quicker formatting, press CTRL + I (or Command + I on a Mac).

Italics are a great choice for quotes, titles, or any word that requires a softer emphasis than bold text.

Applying Underline Formatting in Gutenberg

Unlike the options for bold and italic, the Gutenberg editor does not offer a built-in underline button.

But there’s still a way:

  1. Highlight the Desired Text: Select the sentence or words to underline.
  2. Use Keyboard Shortcut: Press CTRL + U (Command + U for Mac users) to add an underline.

Combining Bold, Italic, and Underline Styles in Gutenberg

To combine all three styles in a single phrase or sentence:

  1. Highlight your text.
  2. Click Bold (B), then Italic (I), and finally use CTRL + U to apply underline formatting.

Previewing your text in the Gutenberg editor will show you the final result, making it easy to see the impact of these combined styles on readability and emphasis.

“The right styling makes words memorable—just as frames make paintings stand out.”

Formatting Text in WordPress Classic Editor

If you’re using the Classic Editor, the process varies slightly.

Here’s a guide to formatting text effectively:

Applying Bold Text in Classic Editor

  1. Highlight the sentence or words you wish to bold.
  2. Click on the “B” icon in the toolbar.
  3. For keyboard lovers, use CTRL + B (Command + B for Mac) to bold the text.

Italicizing Text in Classic Editor

Similar to bold, italicizing text is straightforward:

  1. Select your text.
  2. Choose the “I” icon in the toolbar.
  3. Alternatively, use the CTRL + I (Command + I on Mac) shortcut.

Underlining Text in Classic Editor

Underlining in the Classic Editor is also accessible via a keyboard shortcut:

  1. Highlight the text.
  2. Press CTRL + U (Command + U for Mac), and your text will be underlined.

“Consistency in formatting improves the reading experience for your audience.”

Combining Bold, Italic, and Underline Styles in Classic Editor

To add multiple styles:

  1. Highlight your text.
  2. Click the Bold, Italic, and apply the CTRL + U shortcut.

The Classic Editor allows you to preview these formatting styles before publishing, so you can ensure your text stands out effectively.

When and Why to Use Bold, Italic, and Underline

Knowing when to use these formatting styles is just as important as how to use them.

Here are some tips to maximize their effectiveness:

  • Bold is great for headings, key points, or anything you want readers to immediately notice.
  • Italic can highlight quotes, foreign phrases, or terms readers should think about.
  • Underline can emphasize important URLs, dates, or key terms, but use it sparingly since most web readers associate underlined text with hyperlinks.

“Effective formatting transforms content into an experience.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, formatting can be applied in both the Gutenberg and Classic editors through the mobile WordPress app, though keyboard shortcuts may not be available.

Yes, both Gutenberg and Classic editors offer text color customization options, though they may vary based on your WordPress theme.

Generally, use underlining sparingly. Overuse can lead to confusion with hyperlinks, but it’s helpful for key terms or emphasis.

Both editors offer heading tags (H1-H6). Select your heading level in the editor to structure your post hierarchically.

Yes, plugins like “Advanced Editor Tools” extend Gutenberg’s capabilities, offering a wider range of formatting options.

Both editors have preview options, letting you view your post on the front end before it goes live.

Conclusion

Mastering text formatting in WordPress, whether you’re using the Gutenberg or Classic editor, can truly elevate the quality of your blog posts. By following the steps above, you’ll be able to use bold, italic, and underline text to capture attention and make your content more engaging.

To see these techniques in action, be sure to watch the video tutorial embedded above. For more useful content, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and stay updated with the latest tips!

For advanced options in blog post formatting, check out our Blog Post Formatter page to learn about exclusive features that simplify and enhance your blogging experience.

Need help with any blogging issue? Feel free to contact us—we’re here to assist!

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