Discord markdown guide

1.1K views
5 min read

When I first started using Discord, I noticed that some people had this cool Discord message formatting with bold text and bullet points, and I wanted to do that, too! If you wish to spice up your chats with some fun Discord text tricks, keep reading. I've got the basics down, and I'm here to show you how to make your messages pop. 

Guide to markdown on Discord on a Mac

As you may already know, Markdown is a markup language that allows you to format text using special characters. On Discord, we use Markdown to apply various text effects to make messages more engaging and much easier to read.

Now, let me show you how I use some of the most popular Markdown features.

How to strikethrough text in Discord

Ever wanted to make it look like you're retracting a dramatic statement, but not really? Strikethrough text is your go-to move. It's the digital equivalent of saying something and whispering, "Just kidding," right after. 

Here's how to do it: use the tilde symbol (~) before and after the text you want to cross out. 

~~This text will be strikethrough~~

How to underline in Discord

Want to give your words that extra punch or highlight an important point? It's super easy to do with underlining.

Just wrap your text with two underscores (__) on either side:

__This text will be underlined__

With this simple trick, you can underline your messages, adding a bit of flair and emphasis and making sure your point isn't missed in the chat chaos.

How to bold in Discord

Whenever I want my messages to stand out in Discord, I go for bold text. It's super simple and makes sure nothing important gets missed. 

Here is how to bold in Discord: just add two asterisks (**) before and after your text:

**This text will be bold**

How to make bold italics

For those moments when you really need to make a point, combine bold and italic using three asterisks (***).

***This text is bold and italic!***

How to add bullet points in Discord

If you want to keep your ideas organized in Discord, bullet points are a great way to do it. They help make your lists clear and easy to follow. 

Here's how you can create them: simply use an asterisk (*) followed by a space before each item:

* First item
* Second item
* Third item

This technique allows you to present your thoughts clearly, whether you're outlining plans, Discord formatting lists for game strategies, or just keeping the conversation structured.

How to create numbered lists in Discord

I don't know about you, but I love numbered lists everywhere. So, I always create them in Discord to keep everything clear and structured. Here's how I do it. 

I start each item with a number followed by a period and a space:

1. First item
2. Second item
3. Third item

How to add headings in Discord

How can you do without headlines? Not in my world! There are three types of headings in Discord markup: H1, H2, and H3, where H1 is the largest and H3 is the smallest.

To insert a heading into your text, simply put 1-3 pound signs (#) before your text. For an H1, you’d put 1 pound sign, 2 for an H2, and 3 for an H3.

# H1 Tag
## H2 Tag
### H3 Tag

How to get creative with your Discord status

Look at your Discord status formatting as a fun way to add a bit of personality even when you are not actively chatting. I like to use markdown tricks to create bold or quirky phrases that show my mood or what's on my mind. Do you? It's a small detail, but it keeps things interesting and lets my friends know at a glance what I'm up to — whether I'm diving into a new project or just having a lazy day. 

How to make a hidden commentary with spoilers

Finally, let me show you my favorite Discord markdown trick. You can add a playful or secretive touch by using the spoiler tag. Spoilers in Discord hide the text until it's clicked. Perfect for secret reveals or jokes.

Wrap your text with two vertical bars (||) to create a spoiler:

||This is a hidden text!||

To sum it all up

Mastering Discord markup opens up a world of possibilities for bringing your chats to life. Whether you're using bold text to emphasize a point, non-markdown bullet points to organize ideas, or hidden spoilers for a touch of mystery, these tricks enhance your interactions and keep conversations engaging.

Note that all of the apps mentioned in this article, like TypingMind, BoltAI, and CleanMyMac X are available on Setapp, a curated app subscription service that gives you access to over 250 top Mac, iOS, and web apps, providing tools for productivity, creativity, and more — all in one convenient platform.

250+ apps for $9.99
per month

Sign up to Setapp and try them for free.

Security-tested