How to Use Text Effects in Messages on iPhone and iPad

Apple finally unveiled iOS 18, bringing a wave of new features for iPhone users. While Apple Intelligence will likely steal the spotlight, the Messages app also gets a fun and expressive upgrade. If you’re someone who uses iMessage regularly, you’ll love the new text effects feature in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. It adds a whole new layer of emotion and flair to your chats.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about text effects in iOS 18, what they are, how to use them, and how they can enhance your messaging experience.

What Are Text Effects in iOS 18?

You may already know that iMessage previously allowed users to stylize their messages with basic formatting options like bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough, similar to what apps like WhatsApp offer. But with iOS 18, Apple takes it up a notch.

Now, you can animate your messages using dynamic text effects. These aren’t just simple styles, they’re actual animations that bring your words to life.

With iOS 18, there are eight different animations you can apply to your text. Each effect is unique and designed to help you express emotions like excitement, celebration, sarcasm, or drama. You can apply them to individual letters, specific words, phrases, or even emojis in a message.

How to Add a Text Effect in the Messages App (iOS 18 and iPadOS 18)

Using text effects in Messages is incredibly simple. Here’s how to get started:

First, make sure your device is updated to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.

Once your software is up to date, follow these steps:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to the conversation with the contact you wish to interact with.
3. Type your message in the text field.
4. Now, select the entire message or a part of the message that you’d like to add an effect to.
5. Tap on the Text Effects icon, as shown in the screenshot below.
6. Select the effect of your choice and tap the send icon.
   
   

That’s it! Your message will be sent with the animated text effect you selected.

Video: How to Add Effects to Text in iMessage with iOS 18

Bring Your Conversations to Life with Text Effects

While it may not be a groundbreaking feature, text effects in iOS 18 add a playful, personalized touch to your chats. Being able to animate a single word or emoji gives you more control over how you express yourself. It’s a fun, low-effort way to make your iMessages more engaging.

Pro Tip: Want to go beyond text effects? You can still use bubble and screen effects in iMessage, which offer larger, more immersive animations. And yes, they’re available even on older iOS versions!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sharing good news, cracking a joke, or just chatting with friends, text effects in iMessage help you say it with style. It’s a small but delightful upgrade that makes everyday messaging more expressive and fun.

Also read:

• How to schedule messages on iPhone
• How to send message via Satellite on iPhone
• iOS 18: How to use emoji as Tapback reactions in Messages