Master Discord Text Formatting with Markdown: A Beginner’s Guide

Jason

By Jason

Update on

Discord Text Formatting

Are you new to Discord and wondering how to perform Discord text formatting? You are so lucky as you have ended up with just the right kind of article.

In other words, in this article, we intend to cover very important information related to Discord text formatting.

In certain cases, you get the feeling of putting some fancy appearance into discord chats. However, most novices just wonder how to do it, although it is a pretty easy process. There are many individuals who consider style a prominent aspect.

Well, read this article if you need to know how to use Discord strikethrough, Discord-colored text, etc.

Markdown: The Mechanism Behind Discord Text Formatting

Discord comes with a special algorithm that enables various text formatting on the chat window. This algorithm is a super-efficient and lightweight one that works hard for you and offers various formatting. This special mechanism or algorithm is known as Markdown.

Markdown was created back in 2004. It was composed of two expert programmers, namely John Gruber and Aaron Swartz.

In fact, Markdown is a markup language that comprises of easy-to-read and lightweight characteristics. This language is based entirely on text, and it utilizes symbols that can apply basic formats to text.

It is true that Markdown was commonly regarded as an algorithm that can format readme files. Also, it was used to transform plain textual content into rich text through basic text editing tools.

Nevertheless, later on, the developers of Discord were able to realize the potential of this language. Then, they integrated this language into Discord’s core.

Now, we will look into an in-depth description of Discord’s Markdown. The next sections of the article are dedicated to providing better knowledge about this feature. Through this information, you will be able to get an idea about formatting text messages properly.

Besides, here are the best ways to Text to Speech on Discord.

What is Highlight.js, and What Does It Have to Do with Discord Colored Text?

However, before we look into Discord Markdown, we intend to explain a bit about a feature called Highlight.js. In fact, Highlight.js is a very neat feature that comes with Discord in the form of a library.

You should know that Discord does not feature full-text highlighting. In simplest terms, you cannot necessarily add different colors to different wordings of the same text message.

However, by using a special method (you can call it a ‘hack’ as well), we can bring some colors. Through such a method, we can apply some syntax colors via highlight.js.

Although direct coloring of text doesn’t exist in Discord, there is a possibility to make a code block instead. Then, you can point the respective block to the desired syntax.

As a result, you can highlight the profile which is included in highlight.js. Then, you will be able to use it for your own benefit. If you cannot get a clear idea through the above description, the examples below will help you out.

This will all make much more sense when we get to some juicy examples down below.

In fact, you are not supposed to remember every single detail of this process. Instead, all you need to know is that Discord utilizes Markdown to format text. To highlight the code block, they use Highlight.js.

By the way, read more about the full Teamspeak vs. Discord comparison.

The Process of Discord Text Formatting

Let’s begin the process now. In this section of the article, we will show you how to make text italic, bold, underlined, and even strikethrough.

Well, let’s do the basics first and then look into the methods that create code blocks that color texts.

Bold Text

Making Discord text bold is a pretty simple process. To do it, place two asterisks at the beginning and another two at the end of the respective text. To type in asterisks, you can use the “Shift” key and “8” on your keyboard.

Just assume that you have typed the phrase “How are you? Have a **great day** ahead!” in a Discord chat. The result would appear as “How are you? Have a great day ahead!”

Italicized Text

In order to make text italicized in Discord, you will have to use asterisks yet again. However, in this case, you don’t want two. Instead, you should use one asterisk at the beginning and another at the end of the respective text.

Let’s use the same example again to make it clearer for you.

"How are you? Have a *great day* ahead!" is what you should type to make "great day" italicized. The result would appear as "How are you? Have a great day ahead!". You already know that an asterisk can be typed using the "Shift + 8" key combination.

Bold Italics

Now you know how to make text bold and italic, it’s time to learn how to make bold-italic text. We know that many of our readers have already guessed the combination of this function. Yes, most of you are correct.

To make bold-italic text, you should use three asterisks instead of one or two. That means putting three asterisks at the beginning of the text and another three at the end as well.

Here’s an example.

"How are you? Have a ***great day*** ahead!"This will be displayed in Discord text as "How are you? Have a great day ahead!"

Underlined Text

You can make use of two underscores and get a text underlined in Discord. We can use the previous phrase to explain this scenario as well.

Underlined Text
"How are you? Have a __great day__ ahead!" is what you type in the Discord chat window. Then, you will get "How are you? Have a great day ahead!" as the output.

Discord Strikethrough

Discord Strikethrough

In order to get Discord strikethrough text, you will have to use another special symbol, Tilde (~). You can type the Tilde symbol simply by pressing the Shift + ~ key on the keyboard.

Usually, this key is found under the “Escape” key located at the top left-hand side corner of the keyboard. So, type in two tildes before and after the text you need to strikethrough.

"How are you? Have a ~~great day~~ ahead!" is what you type.
"How are you? Have a great day ahead!" is what you get.

PS: let’s figure out how to record Discord video calls.

More Formatting Options Through Combinations

You can utilize the combination of symbols we have mentioned and create various other text formattings. For instance, you can use underline with bold, italics, and even with bold italics.

Mentioned below are the examples for each formatting combination. We will use the same example to explain this for your convenience.

Underlined-Italicized font

Have a "How are you? Have a __*great day*__ ahead!"

Underlined-bolded Font

Have a "How are you? Have a __**great day**__ ahead!"

Underlined-Italicized-Bolded Font

Have a "How are you? Have a __***great day***__ ahead!"

How to Check All the Underscores and Asterisks Without Text

If you want to take a look at the symbols used within a message, there’s a way. Through this method, you will be able to see the used underscores as well as the asterisks.

To see this, all you have to do is to use the backslash key (‘\’). Using this key will ensure that you skip the markdown formatting. As a result, you will see the text in its original form.

Well, that’s all about the basic formatting options. As you might realize, it is a very simple process. If you practice it for a couple of times, you will realize how convenient it is.

You don’t need to remember a large number of keys to accomplish these results. All you have to remember are the Asterisks, Underscores, and Backslashes.

Discord Text Formatting (Advanced): Discord Colored text

Now that you have a good understanding of basic formatting options let’s take a look at the advanced options. The term advanced settings refer to Discord-colored text. We should say that this is going to be really fun compared to creating Discord strikethrough text.

In this case, we will cover some of the code blocks first as the basics. Then, we will move to the coloring part as well.

Discord’s Single Line Code Blocks

In order to make single-line code blocks, you will have to use elements like tick, character, and backtick. If truth to be told, these keys aren’t frequently used unless there is a very special occasion.

To make it easier for you, the “Tick” mark is located right under the escape key. This is located at the top left-hand side corner of the keyboard.

Just get familiar with this key, and you will be able to move to the code block exercise. As we did in the basic methods, you should use this character before and after the text.

Discord's Single Line Code Blocks

An example is mentioned below for your reference.

`How are you? Have a great day ahead!`

As you see, the ticks are used at the beginning and the end of the text.

Discord’s Multiple Line Code Blocks

Just like the previous option, we’ve mentioned above; advanced code blocks utilize symbols (characters). However, there is a difference in this method. Instead of using a single backtick, however, you should utilize three of them at the beginning and the end.

Even if you press enter or the spacebar and there are a multitude of lines, they will be formatted together. For instance;

```How are you?
Have a
Great day ahead!```

Now, you will be able to notice that the entire text is placed within the code block. Still, there are multiple lines of text.

Discord Colored Text

Well, here’s what most of our readers wanted to learn about (Discord-colored text). It is needless to say, colored text in Discord is pretty exciting. In this case, we are actually hacking the highlighting of the syntax.

This syntax highlighting is included in the Highlight.js library, which is running in the background. We opted to use this hack just because Discord doesn’t offer any built-in highlighting function for text currently. Although you have to put in a little bit of effort, it actually works in the end.

How Does Discord Colored Text Work?

In this case, we will have to use code blocks that comprise multiple lines. We will have to utilize three backticks for that and then specify the highlighting language of the syntax.

To do this, you can make use of the references of the highlighting programming language. And you have to use it at the beginning of the code block (that comprises multiple lines).

To make it clearer, we are going to use Apache, which would be the syntax highlighting language. The example is mentioned below.

```apache
Have a great day!
```

What we actually do here is manipulate the highlighting feature. Then, we use it for our benefit of ours and get the text coloring done.

Below are some of the most looked-after colors any Discord user would like to try.

Are There Any Limitations for Discord Text Formatting?

In simplest terms, YES, there are some limitations associated with the methods we are trying. But, after all, we are using a system which is not originally offered by Discord. So, having something is better than nothing.

For instance, what you type (the sentence) must be connected to resemble a syntax highlighting language.

In that way, you cannot use a sentence like “How are you?”. Instead, you should type How_are_you? OR howareyou?

The reason behind this instance is that we don’t use a default feature included in Discord. Instead, we actually manipulate the syntax highlighting feature. We are making the respective language to think that our sentence is a part of its programming code.

In most case, the colors we pick can be found in variables. In order to have that as a part of the variable, you cannot use any space within. This option works pretty well in code comments. It also works with strings as well.

Color Red

Use Diff Syntax Highlighting

To do this, you should include a dash before the line that is required to be colored.

```diff
- How are you?
```

Use CSS Syntax Highlighting

As per this method, you should use brackets to cover the text that needs to be colored.

```CSS
[How are you?]
```
You can select any of the above options and get a red color to your text in Discord.

Color Yellow

Use Fix Syntax Highlighting

To get this done with Fix, you should see that everything that is typed comes in yellow color. So, there’s nothing much to do there.

```fix
How are you?
Have a great day ahead!
```

Use Apache Syntax Highlighting

In this method, you can get yellow color with the limitation we mentioned earlier. That means this option doesn’t allow you to use spaces.

To get yellow, you should use %{ signs together at the beginning of the phrase you need to color. Then, you should end the respective phrase with a }. You will get a better idea by looking at the example below.

```apache
%{How_are_you?}
```

Color Green

To color text in green within Discord, you should follow the steps mentioned below.

Use Diff Syntax Highlighting

Use the + (plus) sign prior to the line, which needs to be colored green.


```diff
+How are you?
```

Use CSS Syntax Highlighting

To apply the green color using CSS Syntax, you should cover the respective text with quotation marks (” “).

```CSS
"How are you?"
```

Use Bash Syntax Highlighting

Just place quotation marks at the beginning and the end of the text.

"bash
"How are you?"
```

Use JSON Syntax

Like with Bash, just place quotation marks to cover the text from beginning and end.

```JSON
"How are you?"
```

Color Blue

In order to get a blue-color text, you should use the methods mentioned below.

Use INI Syntax Highlighting

Just place the text within brackets so it will be highlighted in blue color.

```INI
[How are you?]
```

Use CSS Syntax Highlighting

Please note that this method doesn’t allow you to use spaces within the phrase. Just place a single dot at the beginning of the phrase.

```CSS
.How_are_you?
```

Important Things to Consider for Discord Strikethrough Chat Formatting

You might have noticed that some of the methods we mentioned above come with restrictions. For instance, some of those methods don’t allow you to have spaces within the phrase you type.

However, the good thing is that you can still get some of the colors without such restrictions.

Generally, it is OK to use syntax highlighting such as BASH, DIFF, CSS, and FIX for respective colors. No matter which method you opt for, the examples we have mentioned above let you experience the feature.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use Markdown in all Discord channels? Yes, Markdown text formatting can be used in all Discord channels.

Q2: Do other users need to have Markdown knowledge to read my formatted messages? No, Discord automatically renders the Markdown formatting for all users, even if they are not familiar with Markdown.

Q3: Can I combine different formatting styles within a single message? Absolutely! You can combine different formatting styles, such as bold, italic, and underline, to add emphasis and make your messages more expressive.

Q4: Can I edit or remove the formatting of a message after sending it? Currently, Discord does not provide an option to edit or remove the formatting of a message once it has been sent. Make sure to double-check your message before sending.

Q5: Are there any limitations to Markdown text formatting on Discord? While Markdown offers a wide range of formatting options, Discord may have certain limitations or variations in the way it renders Markdown. It’s always a good idea to preview your message before sending to ensure the desired formatting is achieved.

Conclusion

Well, that is our guideline for Discord text formatting. We hope you will find this guideline useful if you are a Discord fan.

Despite some of the restrictions you might experience, these methods can spice up your Discord chats easily.

After all, it is always nice to have added features rather than sticking to conventional text formatting.

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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