Most visual text editors give you a way to type italic text by clicking a button at the top of the text editing screen. However, you may find that you can type more quickly if your hands do not leave the keyboard. To help you switch to italic text more quickly, many text editors support keyboard shortcuts to change the text type. You may also be able to change to italic text by typing a short code.
Step 1
Press the "Ctrl" and "I" keys simultaneously to type in italics if you are using word processing software such as Microsoft Word or an email client such as Microsoft Outlook. Press "Ctrl" and "I" again to revert to normal text.
Step 2
Type "" before typing the text that you would like to appear in italics if you are typing a blog post or social networking profile that accepts direct HTML input. Websites that accept HTML input include WordPress, Blogger and Tumblr. Type "" after the italic text. The italic text will not appear until you save the blog post or profile.
Step 3
Type "[i]" before typing the italic text if you are typing a post on a forum that supports BB code. Forums using the vBulletin software support BB code. Type "[/i]" when you are finished typing the text. The italics will not appear until you save the post.
Tip
Many forums, blogs and social networking websites also support the "Ctrl+I" keyboard shortcut for italic text.