How to Add Headings

Discord also supports headings.

Use # before your text.

For example:

# Server Rules

You can make smaller headings with more # symbols:

## Important Rules
### Voice Chat Rules

Headings are useful for longer messages, guides, and server announcements.

How to Add Subtext

Discord supports smaller-looking text called subtext.

Use -# before your text:

-# This is smaller text.

It's useful for adding small notes under an announcement.

For example:

**Server Event**
-# Starts Friday at 8 PM

This keeps extra information visible without making it the main focus.

How to Create Hidden Links

You can also add a link behind normal text.

The basic format is:

[Click here](https://example.com)

This is called a masked link.

It can make long URLs look much cleaner in announcements and guides.

For example:

[Join our website](https://www.discords.ai/)

How to Combine Discord Formatting

You don't have to use only one format at a time.

You can combine different styles.

For example:

***Important Announcement***

This creates bold and italic text.

You can also combine underline and bold:

__**Important Rule**__

This is useful for important server announcements.

Just don't overdo it.

Too much formatting can make a message harder to read.

Best Discord Formatting for Server Rules

If you're writing server rules, keep them simple.

For example:

# Server Rules

**1. Be respectful**
Treat everyone with respect.

**2. No spam**
Don't send repeated messages.

**3. No advertising**
Don't promote other servers without permission.

__Breaking these rules may result in a warning or ban.__

This is much easier to read than putting everything into one large paragraph.

Best Formatting for Discord Announcements

Announcements should also be easy to scan.

Try something like:

# 🎮 Community Tournament

**Date:** Saturday
**Time:** 8 PM
**Prize:** $100

> Registration is now open!

||The tournament code will be shared shortly before the event.||

You can see how different formatting styles help separate the important information.

Common Discord Formatting Mistakes

Formatting is easy once you know the basics, but a few mistakes are common.

Forgetting closing symbols

This:

**Hello

won't work as expected.

You need:

**Hello**

Using the wrong symbol

A backtick and an apostrophe aren't the same.

Code uses:

`code`

Forgetting spaces in lists

Use:

- Item

instead of:

-Item

Using too much formatting

You don't need every sentence to be bold, italic, and underlined.

Keep important parts easy to spot.

Complete Discord Markdown Cheat Sheet

Save this if you use Discord often:

Discord's official formatting guide covers these Markdown options and provides examples for using them in messages. Discord Markdown Text 101

Quick Tips for Better Discord Messages

You don't need complicated formatting to make a good Discord message.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Use bold for important information.
• Use headings for longer messages.
• Use bullet points for lists.
• Use spoilers for sensitive information.
• Use code blocks for longer code.
• Use blockquotes when quoting someone.
• Keep announcements short.
• Don't mix too many formatting styles.

Good formatting should make a message easier to read, not harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make text bold on Discord?

Put two asterisks before and after your text.

**bold text**

How do I hide spoilers on Discord?

Put two vertical bars around the text.

||spoiler text||

How do I make text italic on Discord?

Use one asterisk on each side.

*italic text*

How do I cross out text on Discord?

Use two tilde symbols.

~~crossed out text~~

Can I use multiple formatting styles together?

Yes. Discord lets you combine several formatting styles, such as bold, italic, and underline.

How do I format code on Discord?

Use one backtick for short code and three backticks for a larger code block.

Does Discord use Markdown?

Yes. Discord uses Markdown-style formatting for many of its text formatting features. Discord's official Markdown guide

Final Thoughts

Discord formatting is pretty simple once you know the basic symbols.

You don't need to remember everything.

For everyday messages, bold, italic, spoilers, lists, and code blocks will cover most situations.

If you manage a Discord server, headings and clean formatting can also make announcements and rules much easier to follow.

Bookmark this cheat sheet and come back whenever you forget a command.

Resources

• Discord Markdown Text 101
• Discord Support