Sending a plain-text wall in a LinkedIn message is the fastest way to get ignored. If you want to format LinkedIn messages with bold, italics, or lists, you might have noticed a problem: the native chat box does not have formatting buttons.
How do you emphasize key points in a cold outreach DM or a connection request? You have to use a simple workaround to add bold text to your LinkedIn messages.
Why You Should Format LinkedIn Messages
When you send a direct message (DM) on LinkedIn, the recipient usually scans it in seconds. If it looks like a dense block of text, they will skip it.
Formatting helps you control where the reader's eyes go.
- Highlight your value proposition - Bold the specific outcome you can deliver.
- Emphasize key metrics - Use bold numbers to build immediate credibility.
- Break down complex ideas - Use bulleted lists instead of long sentences.
By formatting your LinkedIn messages, you make them scannable. A readable message gets more replies than an intimidating wall of text.
How to Add Bold Text to a LinkedIn Message
LinkedIn does not support native rich text formatting in direct messages. You cannot highlight text and press Ctrl+B or Command+B.
To use bold text in a LinkedIn message, you must use a Unicode text generator.
- Go to a free LinkedIn post formatter (this works for messages too).
- Type the word or phrase you want to emphasize.
- Select the "Bold" option to convert your text into Unicode bold characters.
- Copy the newly formatted text.
- Paste it directly into your LinkedIn chat box.
Because Unicode is a universal text standard, the bold characters will render perfectly on both the LinkedIn mobile app and the desktop site.
How to Add Italics to LinkedIn Messages
The process for italicizing text in a DM is exactly the same as adding bold text.
Use italics sparingly in your LinkedIn messages. They are great for highlighting book titles, quotes, or a subtle emphasis on a single word. Overusing italics makes the text harder to read, especially on smaller mobile screens.
If you are curious about other formatting tricks, read our guide on how to add italics to LinkedIn posts.
How to Use Lists in LinkedIn DMs
Lists are incredibly effective for structuring a LinkedIn message. Whether you are outlining steps, sharing benefits, or proposing meeting times, lists create natural white space.
Since LinkedIn messages do not have a bullet point button, you have two options:
Option 1: Keyboard shortcuts
You can type a standard bullet point using your keyboard. On Mac, press Option + 8. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0149 on the numeric keypad.
Option 2: Copy and paste emojis Instead of a standard black dot, you can use subtle emojis to act as list markers. Small blue diamonds, checkmarks, or simple arrows work well. If you want to explore professional symbols, check our LinkedIn special characters list.
Can You Format Connection Request Messages?
Yes. The 300-character note you send with a connection request also accepts Unicode formatting.
However, use extreme caution. Connection requests are short. If you fill them with bold text and emojis, you risk looking like a spammer. Keep your LinkedIn connection request messages clean, use bold text for a single keyword if necessary, and focus on genuine personalization.
Summary
You cannot format LinkedIn messages natively, but you can easily add bold, italics, and custom bullet points using a free Unicode text formatter. Use these formatting tools to make your DMs scannable, professional, and more likely to get a response.
