Discord uses markdown formatting, so adding two asterisks around text makes it bold. If you have ever wondered how to bold on discord, the process is simpler than you might think. This guide will walk you through every method, from basic shortcuts to advanced tricks, ensuring your messages stand out in any server.
Understanding Discord Text Formatting Basics
Discord supports a lightweight markup language called Markdown. This system allows you to apply bold, italic, strikethrough, and other styles using simple symbols. The core idea is that you wrap your text with specific characters, and Discord automatically renders it with the desired formatting.
Markdown is not unique to Discord. Many platforms like Reddit, GitHub, and Slack use similar syntax. However, Discord has its own quirks, especially when it comes to mobile vs. desktop usage.
Why Bold Text Matters On Discord
Bold text helps you emphasize key points in a conversation. Whether you are announcing an event, highlighting a rule, or just making a joke land better, bold formatting draws attention. In busy channels with hundreds of messages, bold text can be the difference between being read or ignored.
Using bold correctly also shows that you understand Discord’s features. It makes your messages look more professional and organized, especially in community servers or team chats.
How To Bold On Discord
Method 1: Using Asterisks (Desktop & Browser)
This is the most common and universal method. It works on the desktop app, browser version, and even some third-party clients. To bold text using asterisks, follow these steps:
- Type two asterisks (**) with no spaces.
- Immediately type the text you want to bold.
- Close with another two asterisks (**).
For example, typing **hello** will display as hello. The asterisks must be directly adjacent to the text—no spaces between the symbols and the words.
If you want to bold only part of a sentence, you can do that too. For instance, This is **important** text will show as “This is important text.”
Method 2: Using The Underscore Shortcut
Discord also supports underscores for bold formatting. Instead of asterisks, you can use double underscores (__). The syntax is exactly the same: __text__ becomes text.
Some users prefer underscores because they are easier to type on certain keyboards. However, underscores can sometimes conflict with links or other formatting, so asterisks are generally more reliable.
Note that you cannot mix asterisks and underscores for the same bold effect. You must use either two asterisks or two underscores consistently.
Method 3: Bold On Mobile (IOS & Android)
On mobile devices, typing asterisks manually can be tedious. Discord’s mobile app provides a built-in formatting toolbar. Here is how to use it:
- Tap the text input field to open your keyboard.
- Type the message you want to format.
- Select the text you want to bold by tapping and dragging the selection handles.
- A pop-up menu will appear. Tap the “B” icon (bold).
- Discord will automatically add the asterisks for you.
If the pop-up menu does not appear, you can also manually type the asterisks. On iOS, the asterisk is usually on the numeric keyboard. On Android, you may need to long-press the 8 key or switch to the symbols keyboard.
Method 4: Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Desktop)
For power users, keyboard shortcuts can speed up formatting. On Windows, you can use Ctrl+B to bold selected text. On Mac, the shortcut is Command+B.
This method only works if you have already typed the text and selected it. The shortcut will wrap the selected text with asterisks automatically. It is much faster than typing symbols manually.
Note that this shortcut works in the Discord desktop app and browser version. It may not work in some third-party Discord clients or overlays.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Adding Spaces Inside The Symbols
If you type ** text ** with spaces, Discord will not apply bold formatting. The asterisks must touch the text directly. Always write **text** without any spaces.
Mistake 2: Using Single Asterisks
Single asterisks (*text*) create italic text, not bold. To get bold, you need exactly two asterisks on each side. Three asterisks (***text***) create bold italic.
Mistake 3: Forgetting To Close The Formatting
If you type **hello without closing asterisks, Discord will treat everything after as bold until it finds another pair. This can mess up your entire message. Always close your formatting properly.
Mistake 4: Using Bold In Code Blocks
If you wrap text in backticks (`) or triple backticks (“`), Discord will treat it as code and ignore all formatting. Bold will not work inside code blocks. Use code blocks only for actual code snippets.
Advanced Bold Techniques
Combining Bold With Other Formatting
You can combine bold with italic, underline, and strikethrough. Here are some common combinations:
- Bold italic: Use three asterisks (
***text***) - Bold and underline: Use double underscores and double asterisks (
__**text**__) - Bold and strikethrough: Use double tildes and double asterisks (
~~**text**~~)
These combinations can make your messages even more expressive. However, use them sparingly to avoid cluttered text.
Bold In Server Names And Channel Names
You cannot apply bold formatting to server names, channel names, or nicknames. Discord does not support Markdown in these fields. Bold only works in message content and some embed descriptions.
Bold In Embeds And Webhooks
If you are using webhooks or bots to send messages, you can include Markdown in the message content. The same asterisk rules apply. However, embed titles and fields do not support Markdown—you must use JSON formatting for those.
Troubleshooting Bold Not Working
Check Your Discord Version
Make sure you are using the latest version of Discord. Old versions may have bugs that prevent Markdown from rendering correctly. Update the app or try the browser version.
Check Server Permissions
Some servers disable Markdown formatting for certain roles or channels. If you cannot bold text, ask the server admin if formatting is allowed. This is rare but possible in highly restricted channels.
Check For Conflicting Characters
If you are using special characters like backslashes or escape characters, they can break the formatting. For example, typing \**text** will show the asterisks literally. Avoid using backslashes before formatting symbols.
Restart Discord
Sometimes a simple restart fixes formatting issues. Close Discord completely and reopen it. This clears temporary glitches that might affect Markdown rendering.
Bold On Discord Mobile Vs Desktop
While the core Markdown syntax is the same, the user experience differs between platforms. On desktop, you can use keyboard shortcuts and type symbols quickly. On mobile, the toolbar is more convenient but can be finicky.
One common issue on mobile is that the formatting toolbar sometimes disappears after selecting text. If this happens, try selecting the text again or typing the asterisks manually. The toolbar also may not appear in some third-party keyboards.
Another difference is that on mobile, you cannot use Ctrl+B or Command+B. You must rely on the toolbar or manual typing. This can slow down formatting for long messages.
Best Practices For Using Bold On Discord
Use Bold Sparingly
Bold text is like shouting in a conversation. If you bold every word, nothing stands out. Reserve bold for important keywords, announcements, or emphasis. Overusing bold can annoy other users.
Combine With Other Formatting For Clarity
For longer messages, use a mix of bold, italic, and bullet points. This makes your message easier to scan. For example, bold the main point, italicize examples, and use bullet points for lists.
Test Before Sending
Before sending a formatted message in a busy channel, test it in a private chat or your own server. This ensures the formatting looks correct and there are no typos. You can also use the preview feature in some Discord clients.
Respect Server Rules
Some servers have rules about formatting. For example, role-specific channels may require bold for certain announcements. Always follow the server’s guidelines to avoid warnings or bans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bold Text In Discord Without Using Asterisks?
Yes, you can use double underscores (__) instead of asterisks. Both methods produce the same bold effect. On mobile, you can also use the formatting toolbar.
Why Is My Bold Text Not Showing Up On Discord?
Common reasons include spaces inside the asterisks, using single asterisks, or typing in a code block. Also check if the server has disabled Markdown formatting.
How Do I Bold Text In A Discord Bio Or Status?
Discord does not support Markdown in bios or status messages. You cannot bold text in these fields. Only message content supports formatting.
Can I Bold Text In Discord Voice Channels?
No, voice channels do not have text input for formatting. Bold only applies to text messages in text channels or direct messages.
Is There A Way To Bold Text In Discord Using A Bot?
Some bots can send formatted messages using embeds or webhooks. However, the bot must be programmed to include Markdown in its message content. You cannot control bot formatting directly.
Final Tips For Mastering Discord Bold
Practice makes perfect. Try typing bold messages in a test channel until you get comfortable with the syntax. Once you master bold, you can move on to other formatting like italic, underline, and spoiler tags.
Remember that Discord’s Markdown is case-sensitive. Uppercase and lowercase text are treated the same, so you can bold any text regardless of case. The formatting only cares about the symbols.
If you ever forget the syntax, you can always use the formatting toolbar on mobile or the keyboard shortcuts on desktop. These tools eliminate the need to remember symbols.
Finally, keep an eye on Discord updates. The platform occasionally changes how Markdown works. Following official Discord blog posts or community forums can help you stay informed about any changes.
By now, you should be confident in your ability to bold text on Discord. Whether you are a casual user or a server admin, these techniques will help you communicate more effectively. Start bolding your messages today and see the difference it makes.