Quick Reference
Syntax Options
**bold text**
__bold text__Result
Basic Bold Usage
Bold text in Markdown can be created using either double asterisks (**) or double underscores (__) around the text you want to make bold.
Using Double Asterisks (**)
Markdown:
This is **bold text** in a sentence. Here we have **another bold phrase** for emphasis. The word **important** stands out in this text.Output:
This is bold text in a sentence.
Here we have another bold phrase for emphasis.
The word important stands out in this text.
Using Double Underscores (__)
Markdown:
This is __bold text__ using underscores. The __critical point__ needs to be highlighted. Use __strong emphasis__ to draw attention.Output:
This is bold text using underscores.
The critical point needs to be highlighted.
Use strong emphasis to draw attention.
Advanced Bold Techniques
Bold in Different Contexts
Markdown:
# Header with **bold** text> Blockquote with __strong__ emphasis - List item with **bold word** - Another item with __bold phrase__ Here's a [link with **bold** text](https://example.com)Output:
Header with bold text
Blockquote with strong emphasis
- List item with bold word
- Another item with bold phrase
Here's a link with bold text
Combining Bold with Other Formatting
Markdown:
This is ***bold and italic*** text. This is **bold with *italic* inside**. This is **bold with `code` inside**. This is __bold with [link](https://example.com) inside__.Output:
This is bold and italic text.
This is bold with italic inside.
This is bold with code inside.
This is bold with link inside.
Mid-word Bold (Use with Caution)
Markdown:
The word un**believe**able uses mid-word bold. This is fan**tas**tic formatting. Some**times** this technique is useful.Output:
The word unbelieveable uses mid-word bold.
This is fantastic formatting.
Sometimes this technique is useful.
Asterisks vs Underscores
When to Use Double Asterisks (**)
Best for:
- • General bold text
- • Most common choice
- • Consistent with italic (*)
- • Mid-word emphasis
Example:
This is **really** important. The word super**star** performance.When to Use Double Underscores (__)
Best for:
- • When text contains asterisks
- • Alternative style choice
- • Headers and titles
- • Consistent with italic (_)
Example:
__Important Note:__ Read carefully. Use __UPPERCASE__ for emphasis.Best Practices
✅ Best Practices
- Be consistent: Choose either ** or __ and stick to it throughout your document
- Use for importance: Bold should indicate importance, not just visual appeal
- Don't overuse: Too much bold text loses its impact
- Consider hierarchy: Use bold for headings, key terms, and important points
- Maintain readability: Ensure bold text doesn't overwhelm the content
❌ Common Mistakes
- Mixing markers: Using both ** and __ randomly in the same document
- Spaces around markers: Using "** bold **" instead of "**bold**"
- Single markers: Using "*bold*" instead of "**bold**"
- Overemphasis: Making too much text bold
- Wrong semantic use: Using bold for code or technical terms
Common Issues and Solutions
❌ Problem: Single vs Double Markers
Wrong (creates italic):
This is *not bold* text. This is _also not bold_ text.Correct (creates bold):
This is **bold** text. This is __also bold__ text.Use double markers (**) or (__) for bold, single markers for italic.
❌ Problem: Spaces Around Markers
Wrong:
This is ** not bold ** text. This is __ also not bold __ text.Correct:
This is **bold** text. This is __also bold__ text.Don't add spaces between the markers and the text.
❌ Problem: Unmatched Markers
Wrong:
This is **missing closing marker text. This is __mixed markers** text.Correct:
This is **properly closed** text. This is __consistently marked__ text.Always use matching opening and closing markers of the same type.
Try Bold Text Yourself!
Practice bold syntax with our free online converter.