Learn how to italicize text in markdown using asterisks or underscores. Syntax, examples, platform support, and common mistakes.
Italic text in markdown is created by wrapping words with a single asterisk (*) or single underscore (_). Italics are used for emphasis, titles of works, technical terms, and foreign words.
The most common way to italicize. Works on every platform.
Alternative syntax. Can fail mid-word on some platforms.
Three asterisks combine bold and italic.
| Platform | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | Yes | — |
| GitLab | Yes | — |
| Discord | Yes | Both * and _ work |
| Slack | Yes | Uses _underscores_ for italic |
| Yes | — | |
| Stack Overflow | Yes | — |
| Notion | Yes | — |
| Obsidian | Yes | — |
* italic text *
*italic text*
Spaces inside the asterisks prevent italic from rendering. The markers must touch the text.
_italic_inword
*italic*inword
Underscores don't work mid-word on GitHub and most platforms. Use asterisks instead.
*italic text**
*italic text*
Mismatched markers — one asterisk on each side for italic, two for bold.
If you use ** for bold, use * for italic. Mixing asterisks and underscores makes source harder to read.
Reserve italics for genuine emphasis, book titles, or technical terms. Overuse dilutes the effect.
You can nest italic inside bold: **this is _important_** renders as bold with the italic word inside.
**this is _important_**
Everything you need to know.
Wrap your text with single asterisks (*text*) or single underscores (_text_). Asterisks are recommended for better compatibility.
Bold text in markdown is created by wrapping words with double asterisks (**) or double underscores (__). Bold draws attention to important words and phrases, making your content easier to scan.
Strikethrough in markdown is created by wrapping text with double tildes (~~). It renders as crossed-out text and is commonly used to show deleted content, corrections, or completed tasks.
Standard markdown has no native underline syntax. To underline text, you need to use raw HTML tags (<u>) or platform-specific syntax. This is by design — underlines are reserved for hyperlinks in web conventions.
Paste your markdown and see italic rendered instantly with professional themes.