Quick Reference
Syntax Options
*italic text*
_italic text_Result
Basic Italic Usage
Italic text in Markdown can be created using either single asterisks (*) or single underscores (_) around the text you want to emphasize.
Using Asterisks (*)
Markdown:
This is *italic text* in a sentence. Here we have *another italic phrase* for emphasis. The word *emphasis* stands out in this text.Output:
This is italic text in a sentence.
Here we have another italic phrase for emphasis.
The word emphasis stands out in this text.
Using Underscores (_)
Markdown:
This is _italic text_ using underscores. The _important point_ needs to be highlighted. Use _emphasis_ to draw attention to key words.Output:
This is italic text using underscores.
The important point needs to be highlighted.
Use emphasis to draw attention to key words.
Advanced Italic Techniques
Italics in Different Contexts
Markdown:
# Header with *italic* text> Blockquote with _emphasis_ inside - List item with *italic word* - Another item with _italic phrase_ Here's a [link with *italic* text](https://example.com)Output:
Header with italic text
Blockquote with emphasis inside
- List item with italic word
- Another item with italic phrase
Here's a link with italic text
Combining with Other Formatting
Markdown:
This is ***bold and italic*** text. This is **bold with _italic_ inside**. This is *italic with `code` inside*. This is _italic with [link](https://example.com) inside_.Output:
This is bold and italic text.
This is bold with italic inside.
This is italic with code inside.
This is italic with link inside.
Mid-word Emphasis
Markdown:
The word un*believe*able uses mid-word emphasis. This is fan*tas*tic formatting. Some*times* this technique is useful.Output:
The word unbelieveable uses mid-word emphasis.
This is fantastic formatting.
Sometimes this technique is useful.
Asterisks vs Underscores
When to Use Asterisks (*)
Best for:
- • General emphasis
- • Mid-word emphasis
- • Most common choice
- • Consistent with bold (**)
Example:
This is *really* important. The word super*cali*fragilistic.When to Use Underscores (_)
Best for:
- • When text contains asterisks
- • Variable or function names
- • Alternative style choice
- • Code-related emphasis
Example:
The _user_name_ variable is important. Use _camelCase_ for JavaScript variables.Best Practices
✅ Best Practices
- Be consistent: Choose either asterisks or underscores and stick to it
- Use for emphasis: Italics should add meaning, not just decoration
- Don't overuse: Too much emphasis reduces its effectiveness
- Consider readability: Ensure italic text is still readable
- Use semantically: Italics for titles, foreign words, or emphasis
❌ Common Mistakes
- Mixing markers: Using both * and _ randomly in the same document
- Spaces around markers: Using "* italic *" instead of "*italic*"
- Unmatched markers: Missing closing asterisk or underscore
- Overemphasis: Making too much text italic
- Wrong context: Using italics for code or technical terms
Common Issues and Solutions
❌ Problem: Spaces Around Markers
Wrong:
This is * not italic * text. This is _ also not italic _ text.Correct:
This is *italic* text. This is _also italic_ 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.
❌ Problem: Underscores in Code
Problematic:
The variable_name becomes italic. Use file_path for the path.Better:
The `variable_name` stays as code. Use `file_path` for the path.Use backticks for code to avoid unintended italics with underscores.
Try Italics Yourself!
Practice italic syntax with our free online converter.