WhatsApp desktop is a convenient way to use WhatsApp on your computer. It syncs with your phone, so you can send and receive messages without having to pick up your phone. One handy feature is the ability to start a new line in your messages, which can help format long messages and make them easier to read.
Using the Enter or Return Key
The easiest way to add a new line in WhatsApp desktop is to press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard. This will start a new line of text in your message box. You can press Enter/Return multiple times to add multiple lines between paragraphs or sections.
For example:
Hi Jane,
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to check in about dinner on Friday. Let me know if you’re still free to get together around 7pm.
Talk to you soon,
John
Pressing Enter/Return twice between each section adds white space and makes this message more readable.
Using HTML Tags
You can also use HTML tags to add lines breaks in WhatsApp desktop messages.
To start a new line, use the
tag like this:
Hi Jane,
I hope you’re doing well!
This will create a new line between the greeting and next sentence.
You can add multiple
tags to add several blank lines:
Hi Jane,
I hope you’re doing well!
The
tag is simple and supported by WhatsApp.
Using the Shift+Enter Shortcut
If you want to quickly start a new line without removing your hands from the keyboard, use the Shift+Enter shortcut.
Simply press and hold the Shift key and tap the Enter/Return key. This will add a line break at the cursor location.
For example:
Hi Jane, I hope you’re doing well!
Let’s get together for dinner on Friday if you’re free.
This shortcut can speed up adding line breaks as you type out longer messages and paragraphs.
Copying Text with Line Breaks
For extra convenience, you can add line breaks to text in another app like Word or Notes, then copy and paste the text into WhatsApp desktop.
For example, you could write a message like this in Word:
Hi Jane,
I hope you’re doing well! Let’s get together for dinner on Friday if you’re free.
Talk to you soon,
John
When you copy and paste this text into WhatsApp, the line break formatting will carry over. This can save time adding line breaks in long blocks of text.
Using Line Breaks for Readability
Here are some tips for using line breaks to improve readability in WhatsApp messages:
- Separate ideas – Use a line break between topic changes or different thoughts.
- Break up long sentences – Divide very long sentences over multiple lines.
- Add whitespace between paragraphs – Use 2-3 line breaks to space out paragraphs.
- Make lists more vertical – Add a line break after each list item.
- Highlight important info – Put key points on their own line.
Proper use of line breaks can really enhance the organization and readability of your messages!
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble getting line breaks to work in WhatsApp desktop, try these tips:
- Make sure Enter/Return sends a message – Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats and turn off the “Enter key to send” setting.
- Use Shift+Enter to override settings.
- Copy text with breaks from another app.
- Try typing
tags manually. - Avoid special characters around line breaks.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
With the right techniques, you can easily add new lines to your messages for better formatting. Use the Enter/Return key, HTML tags, copy/paste, and other tricks to make messages more organized.
FAQs
Why are my line breaks not working in WhatsApp desktop?
If your line breaks are not working, it’s likely because WhatsApp is set to send messages when you press Enter/Return. Go to Settings > Chats and disable the “Enter key to send” option.
Is there a limit to how many lines I can add?
There is no limit on the number of lines you can add to a WhatsApp message using line break tags or the Enter/Return key.
Can I add line breaks on WhatsApp mobile too?
Yes, the same techniques for adding line breaks will work in both WhatsApp desktop and the WhatsApp mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Will line breaks work for group chats?
Yes, any line breaks you add in one-on-one or group chats will display properly for all recipients in the desktop and mobile apps.
Do I have to hit Shift+Enter every time?
No, you can set WhatsApp to send messages with the Enter/Return key instead. Go to Settings > Chats and enable “Enter key to send.” Then you can use Enter/Return normally to add new lines.
Conclusion
Adding line breaks in WhatsApp desktop messages is easy once you know the right techniques. By using the Enter key, Shift+Enter shortcut, HTML line break tags, or copying pre-formatted text, you can create messages that are organized and readable. Proper use of line spacing improves the clarity of your messages for any recipient.