Discord supports a rich text formatting system based on Markdown, allowing users to add emphasis, structure, and style to their messages. From basic bold and italic text to syntax-highlighted code blocks and hidden spoilers, mastering Discord formatting elevates your communication and helps your messages stand out. This comprehensive guide covers every formatting option available in Discord.
Basic Text Styling
Discord implements standard Markdown syntax for basic text formatting. These fundamental styles form the foundation of effective Discord communication and work in all message contexts including channels, direct messages, and server announcements.
The core formatting options:
- Bold: Wrap text in double asterisks - **bold text** displays as bold
- Italic: Use single asterisks or underscores - *italic* or _italic_
- Bold Italic: Combine with triple asterisks - ***bold italic***
- Underline: Use double underscores - __underlined text__
- Strikethrough: Wrap in double tildes - ~~strikethrough~~
These styles can combine for compound effects. Bold underlined text uses **__text__**, while bold italic strikethrough requires ***~~text~~***. Discord processes these markers in order, so consistent nesting produces predictable results.
Code Formatting
Code formatting in Discord serves both technical and stylistic purposes. Inline code and code blocks present text in monospace font, distinguishing it from regular messages and preserving exact spacing.
Inline code uses single backticks. Typing \`code here\` renders as highlighted inline code. This format works well for short code snippets, file names, command names, or any text requiring exact representation.
Code blocks use triple backticks for multi-line code. Start with three backticks, optionally add a language name for syntax highlighting, then your code, and close with three more backticks.
Supported languages for syntax highlighting include JavaScript, Python, Java, C++, HTML, CSS, SQL, and many more. Discord automatically colors keywords, strings, comments, and other syntax elements based on the specified language.
A JavaScript code block example would begin with three backticks followed by "javascript" (or "js"), then the code content, and close with three backticks. The result displays with appropriate color coding for JavaScript syntax.
Quotes and Block Quotes
Quoting text in Discord helps reference previous messages or external sources. The greater-than symbol creates quote formatting that visually distinguishes quoted content from your own words.
Single-line quotes use one greater-than symbol at the start: > quoted text. This creates an indented quote block for that line. Each new line requires its own greater-than symbol to continue the quote.
Multi-line block quotes use three greater-than symbols: >>> followed by your text. Everything after this marker becomes quoted, continuing until the message ends. This format works well for longer quotations or when copying multiple paragraphs.
Quotes appear with a vertical bar indicating the quoted section, visually separating referenced content from your commentary. This formatting convention improves readability when discussing or responding to specific statements.
Spoiler Tags
Spoiler tags hide content until the reader chooses to reveal it. This feature protects others from unwanted information about games, movies, books, or any content where surprise matters.
Create spoilers by wrapping text in double vertical bars: ||spoiler content||. The text appears as a black bar that reveals its content when clicked or tapped. Users can choose whether to view the hidden information.
Spoiler tags work with other formatting. Bold spoilers use **||text||**, while spoilered code blocks combine the respective syntax markers. Images and links can also be spoilered, hiding visual content until explicitly revealed.
Server communities often establish conventions for spoiler usage. Gaming servers might require spoilers for plot discussions until a certain time after release. Following these community guidelines maintains a positive environment for all members.
Headers and Organization
Discord supports Markdown headers for structuring longer messages. Headers create visual hierarchy that helps readers navigate complex information.
Header levels use hash symbols:
- # Header 1: Large, prominent header for main sections
- ## Header 2: Medium header for subsections
- ### Header 3: Smaller header for detailed organization
Headers work best in announcement channels, server rules, and informational posts where structure aids comprehension. For casual chat, basic formatting typically suffices without headers.
Lists and Bullet Points
Discord renders bulleted and numbered lists with proper formatting when you use standard Markdown syntax. Lists organize information clearly and improve readability for instructions or options.
Bulleted lists use hyphens, asterisks, or plus signs at the start of lines. Each item appears with a bullet point. Indenting with spaces creates nested sub-items for hierarchical organization.
Numbered lists begin each line with a number and period. Discord renders these as sequential numbered items. Like bulleted lists, indentation creates nested numbering for sub-items.
Links and Embeds
Discord automatically detects and formats URLs in messages. Simply pasting a link creates a clickable hyperlink. Most links also generate preview embeds showing page titles, descriptions, and images.
To display a link without the preview embed, wrap the URL in angle brackets: <https://example.com>. This creates a clickable link but suppresses the automatic embed preview.
Masked links use Markdown syntax: [displayed text](URL). The displayed text appears as a clickable link directing to the specified URL. This format creates cleaner messages while maintaining link functionality.
Some servers restrict link permissions for new members. If your links appear as plain text, check whether you have permission to embed links in that channel.
Mentions and Special Formatting
Discord provides special syntax for mentioning users, roles, and channels. These mentions create clickable links and send notifications to mentioned parties.
User mentions use the @ symbol followed by username, or the format <@user_id>. Role mentions work similarly with <@&role_id>. Channel links use <#channel_id> format to create clickable navigation to other channels.
Custom emoji and emoji reactions add visual expression to messages. Type emoji names between colons :emoji_name: to insert custom server emoji. Standard emoji work through their Unicode characters or standard names.
Timestamps display formatted dates and times that adjust to each viewer timezone. The syntax <t:unix_timestamp:format> creates dynamic timestamps. Our Unix Timestamp Converter helps generate the required timestamp values.
Advanced Formatting Tricks
Experienced Discord users employ advanced techniques for enhanced message formatting. These tricks combine basic features in creative ways.
Empty lines within messages create visual separation. Unlike some platforms, Discord preserves blank lines, allowing you to group related content with spacing.
Escaping format characters prevents Discord from processing them. Prefix any format character with a backslash: \*not italic\* displays as plain text with visible asterisks. This technique is useful when discussing formatting syntax itself.
Zero-width spaces and other invisible characters can create interesting effects, though their use varies by context. These advanced techniques require experimentation and may behave differently across Discord updates.
Mobile vs Desktop Differences
Discord formatting works consistently across platforms, but input methods differ. Desktop users access all formatting through keyboard symbols, while mobile users may need to navigate special character keyboards.
The mobile app includes a formatting toolbar for common options like bold and italic. Long-pressing the text input field often reveals formatting buttons, simplifying access to frequently used styles.
Some advanced formatting features appear slightly differently between platforms. Test important formatted messages on multiple devices if consistent appearance matters for your use case.
Formatting for Bots and Webhooks
Discord bots and webhooks support extended formatting through embeds. Embeds provide structured message layouts with titles, descriptions, fields, images, and color accents.
Bot developers use the Discord API to create rich embed messages that display more elegantly than plain text. If you are building a bot, the embed system offers formatting options beyond standard Markdown.
Webhooks from external services often generate embeds automatically. GitHub, Trello, and other integrations format their notifications using Discord embed structure for clear, organized information display.
Related Text Tools
These tools help prepare text for Discord and other platforms:
- Fancy Text Generator - Create styled text with special Unicode characters
- Character Counter - Check message length against Discord limits
- Case Converter - Transform text case for emphasis
- Timestamp Converter - Generate Unix timestamps for Discord time formatting
Conclusion
Discord text formatting transforms plain messages into well-structured, visually appealing communications. From basic bold and italic styling to code blocks with syntax highlighting and organized headers, these Markdown features help you express ideas clearly and effectively. Start with core formatting options and gradually incorporate advanced features as you become comfortable with the syntax. Whether you are moderating a server, sharing code, or chatting with friends, proper formatting enhances your Discord experience and helps your messages achieve their intended impact.