Format Text in ClickUp Using the Text Toolbar

The text toolbar in ClickUp lets you quickly format content, add links, style headings, and apply structure to your notes, tasks, and docs. This guide explains every option available so you can create clear, readable information for your workspace.

The toolbar appears whenever you select text or move your cursor into a supported field. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to speed up formatting without taking your hands off the keyboard.

Where the ClickUp Text Toolbar Appears

The text toolbar is available in several areas of the platform. You will see it whenever you are typing or editing in supported editors, including:

• ClickUp Docs
• Task descriptions
• Notepad
• Comments
• Chat views
• Custom text fields that support rich text

When you click inside a text area, the toolbar appears above or below the text. If it is hidden, highlight some text and the toolbar will show automatically.

Basic Text Formatting in ClickUp

The text toolbar includes core formatting controls you can apply to any selected text. These options help structure content and improve readability.

Apply headings and normal text in ClickUp

You can change the style of your text using heading levels or regular body text. This is especially useful when creating structured docs, task briefs, or procedures.

1. Select the text you want to format.
2. Open the style dropdown in the toolbar (often labeled as paragraph or showing a heading level).
3. Choose a heading level such as H1, H2, or H3, or select normal text.

Use headings for section titles and regular text for your main content to keep your ClickUp pages organized.

Bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough

You can emphasize important details or mark outdated information using basic styles:

• Bold for emphasis or labels.
• Italic to highlight terms or short notes.
• Underline when you want extra emphasis.
• Strikethrough to indicate removed or replaced content.

To use these, select the text and click the corresponding icon in the toolbar.

Change text color and highlight

The ClickUp toolbar lets you add color to text or apply a background highlight.

1. Select your text.
2. Click the text color icon.
3. Choose a text color or a highlight color from the palette.

Use color sparingly, such as for status notes, warnings, or key action items.

Using Lists and Indentation in ClickUp

Lists make information easier to scan and follow. The text toolbar supports multiple list formats and indentation controls.

Create bulleted and numbered lists

To convert text into a list:

1. Place your cursor in a line of text, or select multiple lines.
2. Click the bulleted list icon for standard bullets.
3. Click the numbered list icon for ordered steps.

Press Enter to add a new list item. Press Enter again on an empty bullet to end the list.

Use checklists in ClickUp

For simple action lists inside descriptions or docs, you can use checklist formatting:

1. Select the lines you want to turn into tasks.
2. Click the checklist icon in the toolbar.
3. Each line becomes an item that can be checked off.

Checklists are a lightweight way to track to-dos directly inside ClickUp content.

Indent and outdent list items

You can create nested lists to show hierarchy or sub-steps.

1. Place your cursor on the list item.
2. Use the indent or outdent icons in the toolbar to move items right or left.

This works on bulleted, numbered, and checklist items.

Insert Links and Media with the ClickUp Toolbar

The text toolbar also lets you add links and embed media so your information stays connected and rich.

Add hyperlinks in ClickUp text

To create a link:

1. Select the text that should become a link.
2. Click the link icon in the toolbar.
3. Paste a URL or type it into the field.
4. Confirm to apply the link.

You can edit or remove links later by clicking the linked text and using the same link controls.

Use inline code formatting

For technical content, you can use inline code formatting to highlight snippets such as commands or variables.

1. Select the text representing code.
2. Click the inline code icon in the toolbar.

This keeps commands visually distinct from the rest of your ClickUp text.

Align and Organize Content in ClickUp

Alignment options let you control the layout of your text blocks, especially in formatted docs or detailed task descriptions.

Text alignment options

Depending on the editor, you may see alignment controls such as:

• Align left
• Align center
• Align right
• Justify

To change alignment, place your cursor in a paragraph and click the desired alignment icon.

Clear formatting

If text becomes inconsistent, you can remove styles and start fresh:

1. Select the affected text.
2. Click the clear formatting or eraser icon in the toolbar.

This removes styles like bold, italics, color, and headings while keeping your text content.

Keyboard Shortcuts for ClickUp Text Formatting

Using keyboard shortcuts speeds up formatting and keeps your workflow efficient. While exact shortcuts can depend on your operating system, typical combinations include:

• Bold: Ctrl + B (Windows) or Command + B (Mac)
• Italic: Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac)
• Underline: Ctrl + U (Windows) or Command + U (Mac)

You can also trigger common actions by typing markdown-style characters in certain editors, such as starting a line with - or * to create a bullet.

Best Practices for Formatting in ClickUp

Thoughtful formatting makes your content easier to scan and maintain across your workspace.

• Use headings consistently for sections and subsections.
• Keep paragraphs short for readability.
• Use lists for steps, requirements, and key points.
• Apply color and highlights only where they add real clarity.
• Use checklists for simple task tracking within descriptions.

By following these practices, your ClickUp docs and tasks become reliable references for your whole team.

More Resources on ClickUp Formatting

You can review the official help documentation for more details on text toolbar behavior and updates directly from the source. Visit the article on the ClickUp Help Center here: Format text using the text toolbar.

If you want expert assistance planning your workspace structure, documentation standards, or overall productivity workflows, you can explore additional consulting resources at Consultevo.

With the text toolbar and a few consistent formatting habits, you can turn every ClickUp document, task, and note into a clear, structured resource your team can trust.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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