How to Add Effects to Text on iPhone

Adding effects to text on your iPhone can make your messages, notes, and social media posts stand out. This guide shows you how to apply bold, italic, strikethrough, and even animated effects using built-in iOS features and the Messages app. No additional apps are required for most effects, though some advanced options need third-party tools.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone running iOS 13 or later (for most text effects)
• Access to the Messages app (for bubble and screen effects)
• Optional: A third-party app like Phonto or Canva for advanced text styling

Step-by-Step

1. Select the text – In any app that supports text editing (Notes, Messages, Mail, etc.), tap and hold on a word to bring up the magnifier, then drag the selection handles to highlight the text you want to affect.
2. Open the formatting menu – After selecting text, a small menu appears above it. Tap the BIU button (which stands for Bold, Italic, Underline) to see formatting options. If you don’t see BIU, tap the right arrow in the menu to find it.
3. Apply bold, italic, or underline – Tap Bold, Italic, or Underline from the menu. The selected text will immediately change style. You can combine them by tapping multiple options.
4. Add strikethrough – In the same BIU menu, tap Strikethrough to draw a line through the text. This is useful for showing edits or deletions.
5. Use text effects in Messages – Open the Messages app, type your message, then press and hold the Send button (the blue arrow). A screen appears with options like Ink, Confetti, Balloons, and more. Swipe to choose an effect, then tap the send arrow to send it with that effect.
6. Add screen effects – In the same send screen, tap the Screen tab at the top. Choose from effects like Echo, Spotlight, or Fireworks. These animate the entire screen when the message is viewed.
7. Format in Notes with the toolbar – In the Notes app, select text and use the formatting toolbar (the “Aa” icon) to apply headings, bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough. You can also change font size and color.
8. Use third-party apps for advanced effects – For shadows, outlines, gradients, or 3D text, download an app like Phonto or Canva. Open the app, create a new project, add text, and use the app’s styling tools to apply effects. Then save the image or copy the text to use elsewhere.

Common Mistakes

• Not selecting text first – Formatting options only appear after you highlight text. If you don’t see BIU, make sure text is selected.
• Using the wrong send button – To access message effects, you must press and hold the send arrow, not just tap it. Tapping sends immediately without effects.
• Expecting effects to work in all apps – Text effects like bold and italic are supported in most Apple apps, but some third-party apps may not display them. Screen effects only work in Messages.
• Overcomplicating with third-party apps – Many users download apps when built-in features suffice. Start with the native options before adding extra apps.

Tips

• Combine effects for emphasis – Use bold and italic together for strong emphasis, or underline and strikethrough for edits.
• Use screen effects sparingly – They can be fun but may annoy recipients if overused. Save them for special occasions.
• Preview before sending – In Messages, you can see a preview of the effect before sending. Make sure it looks right.
• Use the Notes app for rich formatting – Notes supports more formatting options than Messages, including headings and font colors.
• Learn keyboard shortcuts – On a connected keyboard, press Command+B for bold, Command+I for italic, and Command+U for underline in most text fields.

Troubleshooting

Text effects not showing up? Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. Some effects require iOS 13 or later. If you’re in a third-party app, the app may not support rich text formatting.

Can’t find the BIU button? After selecting text, the menu may show only a few options. Tap the right arrow (or “More”) to reveal the BIU button. If you’re in an app that doesn’t support formatting, it won’t appear at all.

Message effects not working? Ensure you’re pressing and holding the send button until the effect screen appears. If it doesn’t, check that “Reduce Motion” is turned off in Settings > Accessibility > Motion. Some effects may be disabled when Reduce Motion is on.

Effects not visible to recipient? Screen effects may not display on older devices or if the recipient has Reduce Motion enabled. Bubble effects (like slam or loud) are more likely to appear, but they can also be turned off in Settings > Messages.

Third-party app not working? If an app like Phonto crashes or doesn’t apply effects, try restarting the app or your iPhone. Ensure the app is updated from the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add effects to text in WhatsApp or other messaging apps?

WhatsApp and most third-party messaging apps do not support iOS text effects like bubble or screen effects. They have their own formatting options (e.g., *bold* in WhatsApp) but not the same animated effects.

How do I make text glow or have a shadow on iPhone?

Built-in iOS text formatting does not include glow or shadow. Use a third-party app like Phonto or Canva to apply these effects, then share the resulting image or text.

Can I use text effects in iMessage with Android users?

No. Bubble and screen effects are exclusive to iMessage between Apple devices. When sending to Android, the message will appear as plain text without effects.

Why don’t I see the “Send with effect” screen?

Make sure you press and hold the send button, not just tap it. If you have “Reduce Motion” enabled, some effects may be hidden. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and turn off Reduce Motion.

Can I edit text after applying an effect?

Yes. You can tap the text and use the selection handles to select it again, then change or remove the effect using the BIU menu.

Are there any free apps for advanced text effects?

Yes. Phonto and Canva have free versions with many text styling options. Some premium features may require in-app purchases, but basic effects like shadows and outlines are usually free.

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