HTML uses tags like <b> and <i> for formatting output, such as bold or italic text. These HTML tags are called formatting tags.
FYI: What’s the Difference?
Often <strong> renders as <b>, and <em> renders as <i>. However, there is a difference in the meaning of these tags:
<b> or <i> defines bold or italic text only.
<strong> or <em> means that you want the text to be rendered in a way that the user understands as “important”.
HTML Formatting Tags
There are several formatting tags. I have listed only a few of the most commonly used. Be aware that at this time not all tags are compatible with every e-reading and app device. Always proof your file on the environment you plan to publish (Kindle, Kindle app, iPad, etc.)
<b> Defines bold text
<em> Defines emphasized text
<i> Defines a part of text in an alternate voice or mood
<strong> Defines important text
<sub> Defines subscripted text
<sup> Defines superscripted text
<code> Defines computer code text
Feel free to comment / ask questions…I am here to help.
NEXT: HTML Cheat Sheet: common tags you can use in Kindle formatting.
Excerpt from Kindle Formatting Solutions: Basic HTML & CSS for ePublishing Authors Coming October 2013
Additional Resources
List of HTML5 tags compatible with Amazon Kindle
