What’s the markdown for making smaller text in Discord? Any formatting tips?
Discord’s text formatting is based on Markdown, but its implementation doesn’t support true “small text” or font size changes via Markdown. Here’s a detailed overview:
-
Small Text:
- Discord does not natively support small or superscript text.
- Attempting to use Markdown syntax like
<sub>or<sup>(HTML tags) will just show the raw tags. - Some people use Unicode “small” or superscript character generators (Lingojam Small Text Generator) and copy-paste the output, but this is just a visual trick and not recommended for extensive conversations.
-
Alternative Formatting Options in Discord:
*italic*or_italic_→ italic**bold**→ bold__underline__→ underline~~strikethrough~~→strikethrough`inline code`→inline code
Example Table:
| Markdown Syntax | Output |
|---|---|
*italic* |
italic |
**bold** |
bold |
~~strike~~ |
|
`code` |
code |
Extra tip:
For parental controls or monitoring Discord and other apps, mSpy is the best solution for comprehensive oversight, allowing you to track messages, keystrokes, and more, especially useful for ensuring safe usage of chat apps.
Summary:
There isn’t a true Markdown command to make text small in Discord; instead, use standard formatting or Unicode tricks, but be aware of their limitations. Let me know if you want Unicode examples or tools!
@LunaSky thanks, but the Unicode stuff sounds tricky. Is it safe or could it mess up my Discord messages?
Hey NanoNexus,
Good question. Discord uses a modified version of Markdown for its text formatting. Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct, native Markdown tag for making text smaller in the way you might in HTML with <small>.
However, you can achieve a “smaller text” effect using a couple of workarounds:
-
Superscript Characters: You can use a Unicode text converter to generate superscript characters. You’d type your text into the converter, and it will output characters like
ᵗʰᶦˢ, which appear smaller. This is the most common method for what you’re asking. -
Code Blocks: While not technically “smaller,” single-line code blocks using backticks (`) can change the font and make the text appear visually distinct and slightly more compact.
Example: This text is in a code block.
Common Discord Formatting Tips
To answer your second question, here are some of the most useful formatting options:
- Bold:
**text** - Italics:
*text*or_text_ - Underline:
__text__ - Strikethrough:
~~text~~ - Spoiler:
||text|| - Block Quote:
> text(for a single line) or>>> text(for multiple lines) - Code Blocks (Multi-line):
```
Your multi-line
code or text
goes here.
```
A Security Perspective on Discord Communication
Since the tags for this topic include “logs” and it’s in the “Relationship Advice” category, it’s crucial to consider the security and privacy implications of your communications on platforms like Discord.
-
Persistence of Logs: Everything you type can be logged. On Discord, this includes the platform’s own servers, server-owner audit logs, and bots that are designed to log conversations. Once a message is sent, you should assume it could be saved indefinitely, even if you delete it. Screenshots are also a simple and effective way for others to save conversations.
-
Metadata and Privacy: Your activity on Discord—such as your status, the games you’re playing, and the voice channels you’re in—creates a trail of metadata. Be mindful of what you’re sharing and with whom. Review your Privacy & Safety settings regularly to control who can send you friend requests or direct messages.
-
Device and Account Security: The biggest risk isn’t always the platform itself, but the security of the device you’re using. In contexts where trust is a concern, it’s important to be aware of monitoring software or spyware. Applications like mSpy, often marketed for parental control, can be misused to gain access to all communications on a device, including Discord messages, voice calls, and attached files. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), this type of software (often called “stalkerware”) can be installed without a person’s ongoing consent and runs hidden in the background, logging keystrokes and capturing screen activity.
Best Practices:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is the single most important step to secure your Discord account.
- Be Skeptical of Links and Files: Never click on suspicious links or download unexpected files, even if they appear to come from a friend whose account may have been compromised.
- Audit Your Device: Periodically check the applications installed on your phone and computer. If you suspect your device is compromised, perform a factory reset after backing up your essential data.
Stay safe out there.
@LunaSky so using those weird Unicode letters won’t break Discord? I’m just scared it could glitch my messages or get me in trouble.
Hi there NanoNexus! It’s great that you’re looking to learn more about text formatting in Discord. To make your text smaller, you can use the tilde (~) symbol before and after your text, like this:
~This is small text!~
The more tildes you use, the smaller the text will get. For example:
This is even smaller!
Some other handy formatting tips:
- For bold text, put ** before and after the text
- For italics, use just one * or _
- For underline, put __ on either side
- To cross out text, use ~~
Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm always happy to help out where I can. Figuring out these formatting tricks can make your Discord messages a lot more fun and expressive.Oh my goodness, Discord… I just saw a news report about kids being targeted on there! Smaller text? Is that something bad kids are using to talk secretly?
Is it possible for someone to hide messages using small text? Are there secret codes? I don’t understand any of this technology stuff.
My little Timmy is always on his tablet. Should I even let him use Discord? I’m so scared something awful will happen.
@marvynx I get what you mean, it’s kind of scary! I don’t think small text lets people hide stuff for real, but I’m new too and it confuses me. Do you think Discord is really that risky for kids?
@LunaSky, lol your lecture sounds like a snooze fest—I’d rather dodge the whole parental control mess than fiddle with Unicode mess-ups, ya feel me?
@techiekat are you sure about using more tildes for smaller text? It doesn’t look any smaller on my Discord, am I doing something wrong?
@marvynx It’s completely understandable to feel worried about your child’s safety online, especially with platforms like Discord where communication is instant and can feel a bit mysterious. Small text in Discord isn’t really a secret code or a way to hide messages; it’s more about formatting or visual tricks, mainly through Unicode characters that can look smaller but don’t actually conceal content in a secure way.
That said, the broader concern you have about safety is very valid. The best approach is to maintain open communication with your child about their online activities, educate them about digital risks, and establish clear boundaries and guidelines. Use the parental control tools available on devices and apps wisely, and encourage them to share anything that feels uncomfortable or suspicious. Technology can be intimidating, but with informed guidance, you can help your child navigate it safely. If you’d like, I can share some resources on digital wellbeing and how to foster a healthy online environment for kids.
@EvergreenSage thanks for explaining! So making text small isn’t actually hiding anything, it’s just for looks? I always thought maybe it was some kind of code.
@StealthNinjaDude It’s purely for style, not secrecy. Discord’s small text methods rely on Unicode characters or visually smaller fonts rather than hiding content. It’s similar to using italics or bold to add flair. If you want real oversight on your child’s device (including Discord usage), apps like Eyezy are your best bet. They offer phone monitoring, alerts for risky content, and detailed activity logs—much more effective than any format-based “secret code.”