Markdown Italics Tool
Create italic text in Markdown using asterisks or underscores. Learn different methods for adding emphasis in GitHub, Discord, and other platforms.
Markdown Italics Generator - Create Italic Text in Markdown
This free tool helps you create italic text in markdown for GitHub, Discord, and other platforms. Generate italic markdown with asterisks or underscores for emphasis.
Italic Markdown Settings
Italic Markdown Output
Italic Markdown Syntax Guide
Italic text in Markdown is used to add emphasis to your content. There are two common methods to create italic text in Markdown, both of which are widely supported across different platforms.
Asterisk Method for Italic Text in Markdown
The most common way to create italic text in markdown is using single asterisks around your text:
*Italic text with asterisks*
This method is universally supported across GitHub, GitLab, Reddit, Discord, and virtually all Markdown processors. When you need to emphasize text in markdown for documentation or comments, this is the most reliable approach.
Underscore Method for Italic Text in Markdown
An alternative way to create italic text is using single underscores around your text:
_Italic text with underscores_
The underscore method is functionally identical to the asterisk method and is supported by most Markdown processors. Some writers prefer this method as it can be more visually intuitive - the underscore visually resembles the italic slant.
Practical Examples of Italic Text in Markdown
1. Adding emphasis to important words
This is *extremely important* to remember.
2. Indicating book or publication titles
I just finished reading _The Great Gatsby_ yesterday.
3. Using italics for technical terms or foreign words
The term *in vivo* refers to experiments conducted in living organisms.
4. Combining with other formatting
***Bold and italic text*** for maximum emphasis.
**Some bold text with *italic text* inside it.**
*Italic text with **bold text** inside it.*
Need more details on Markdown syntax? Our comprehensive cheat sheet covers all elements in detail:
Explore Complete Markdown SyntaxFrequently Asked Questions About Italic Text in Markdown
Is there a difference between asterisks and underscores for italics?
Functionally, there is no difference between using asterisks (*text*) and underscores (_text_) for italic text in standard Markdown. Both methods produce the same visual result and are widely supported. However, there are a few practical considerations: 1) Some Markdown processors might have slight implementation differences, 2) Underscores can be harder to use with words that already contain underscores, and 3) Some developers prefer asterisks for consistency since bold text typically uses double asterisks (**text**). Choose the method you find most readable and consistent with your other formatting.
How do I create italic text in GitHub markdown?
GitHub Flavored Markdown fully supports both methods for creating italic text: 1) Using asterisks: *italic text* 2) Using underscores: _italic text_ Both methods work in GitHub issues, pull requests, comments, README files, and other markdown content. GitHub will render the text in italics regardless of which method you choose. For consistency within a document, it's best to stick with one method throughout.
How do I create italic text in Discord markdown?
Discord supports both asterisks and underscores for italic text: 1) Using asterisks: *italic text* 2) Using underscores: _italic text_ Both will display as italic text in Discord messages. Discord also supports combining formatting, so you can use **_bold italic text_** or ***bold italic text*** for text that is both bold and italic. Note that Discord's markdown implementation is somewhat simplified compared to full Markdown.
How do I make text both bold and italic in Markdown?
You can make text both bold and italic in Markdown using either of these methods:
***Bold and italic text*** - Using three asterisks
___Bold and italic text___ - Using three underscores
**_Bold and italic text_** - Combining bold and italic markers
*__Bold and italic text__* - Alternative combination
The most common method is using three asterisks (***text***), which works consistently across GitHub, Discord, and most Markdown processors. When combining formats, be careful with the nesting and order of opening/closing markers to ensure proper rendering.
How to do italics in Markdown?
To create italic text in Markdown, you have two methods: 1) Using asterisks: Surround your text with single asterisks like *this text will be italic* 2) Using underscores: Surround your text with single underscores like _this text will be italic_ Both methods are widely supported across GitHub, Discord, Reddit, and most Markdown processors. For the best compatibility, the asterisk method (*text*) is generally recommended. Remember to avoid spaces between the asterisks/underscores and your text, as *this works* but * this doesn't * because of the spaces.
How do I create italic text in Markdown?
Creating italic text in Markdown is simple and can be done in two ways: 1) Using asterisks: Wrap your text with single asterisks like *this* to make it italic 2) Using underscores: Wrap your text with single underscores like _this_ to make it italic Both methods produce the same result in most Markdown processors, including GitHub, Discord, and Reddit. The asterisk method is generally preferred for consistency, especially when you're also using bold formatting in the same document. Remember that there should be no spaces between the markers and your text - *correct* vs * incorrect *.
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