Highlighting a short piece of text can help readers notice a warning, an important instruction, a key figure, or a call to action. In current versions of WordPress, you can do this directly in the block editor. You do not need an extra plugin.
Use the built-in Highlight option
WordPress includes a Highlight control in the rich-text toolbar. To use it:
- Edit the post or page in the WordPress block editor.
- Select the words you want to highlight.
- Open the More rich-text options in the toolbar.
- Choose Highlight.
- Select a text color, a background color, or both.
The result is saved as part of the content, so the formatting remains with the text when the post is updated.
When highlighting is useful
Highlighting works best when it is used sparingly. Good examples include an important limitation, a short definition, a deadline, a price condition, or a sentence that readers should not miss.
If half of a page is highlighted, nothing feels important. Keep the effect for small pieces of information that deserve extra attention.
Use HTML when you need a semantic highlight
HTML also provides the <mark> element for text that is relevant in the current context. In the block editor, you can switch a block to HTML and wrap the relevant words like this:
<mark>This text is highlighted.</mark>Your theme controls the default appearance of <mark>, so the visual result can vary.
Do not rely on color alone
Color should support the meaning, not carry it by itself. If the highlighted information is essential, make sure the wording also makes its importance clear. Keep enough contrast between the text and its background so the sentence remains easy to read.
In short
For most WordPress users, the built-in Highlight control is now the simplest solution. Use HTML only when you need more precise markup or styling. Installing a formatting plugin just to highlight a few words is usually unnecessary.