How to Cross Out Text in Discord Like a Pro

Hey there, Discord users! If you’ve ever wanted to cross out text in Discord to emphasize a point, make a joke, or just stand out in a crowded server, you’re in the right place. Honestly, it’s one of the coolest little tricks to make your messages pop. Whether you’re a casual chatter or a server mod, mastering text formatting like strikethrough can level up your communication game. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps, sprinkle in some unique tips, and even share a mini case study from my own Discord experience. Let’s dive in!

Why Use Strikethrough in Discord?

Strikethrough, or crossed-out text, isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s functional too. It can show edits, indicate sarcasm, or highlight something you’ve changed your mind about. In my opinion, it’s a subtle way to add humor or context without spamming emojis. Plus, with over 150 million monthly active users as of 2023 (source: Statista), standing out in chats matters more than ever.

The Psychology Behind Text Formatting

Ever notice how formatted text grabs attention? Strikethrough creates a visual break, making your message memorable. I’ve seen it work wonders in gaming servers when correcting a strategy or playfully roasting a teammate. It’s like adding a wink to your words—small but impactful.

How to Cross Out Text in Discord: Step-by-Step

Crossing out text in Discord is super easy thanks to its Markdown support. You don’t need any fancy tools—just a keyboard and a quick trick. Here’s how to do it in under a minute. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be striking through text like a pro.

Using Markdown for Strikethrough

Discord uses Markdown, a lightweight markup language, for text formatting. To cross out text, simply wrap your message with two tilde symbols (~) on each side. For example, type ~~this is crossed out~~, and it’ll appear as this is crossed out. I’ve tested this on both desktop and mobile, and it works seamlessly across platforms.

Quick Example for Clarity

• Type: ~~I’m not coming to the raid~~
• Result: I’m not coming to the raid

Simple, right? Play around with it in a private channel first if you’re new to Markdown.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Strikethrough

Even something as basic as crossing out text can trip people up. I’ve made these mistakes myself, and honestly, it’s frustrating when your formatting doesn’t work. Let me save you some headaches with a few pitfalls to dodge.

Forgetting the Double Tilde

One tilde (~) won’t cut it—always use two on each side. I once typed a single tilde in a hurry and just confused everyone in the chat. Double-check before hitting send!

Spacing Issues

Don’t put spaces between the tildes and your text. For instance, ~~ text ~~ won’t work. Keep it tight like ~~text~~ for the effect to show.

Creative Ways to Use Strikethrough in Discord

Beyond the basics, strikethrough can be a fun tool to express yourself. In my opinion, it’s underused in most servers, which means you can stand out by getting creative. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried or seen in action.

Showcase Humor or Sarcasm

Use it to fake a “mistake” for laughs. For example: “I’m ~~totally not~~ the best at this game.” It’s a lighthearted way to poke fun without offending anyone. I’ve seen this kill in meme channels!

Highlight Updates or Corrections

In serious discussions, like planning events, cross out old info to show updates. For instance: “Meet at 7 PM ~~8 PM~~.” It’s cleaner than typing a new message and keeps the chat tidy.

Case Study: Strikethrough in My Gaming Server

Let me share a quick story. I run a small Discord server for gamers, and during a raid planning session, I used strikethrough to correct a wrong time slot. Instead of cluttering the chat with “oops, I meant…,” I typed: “Raid at ~~9 PM~~ 8 PM.” Not only did everyone notice the change instantly, but a few members even complimented the clarity. It saved time and kept the convo flowing. Honestly, little tweaks like this build trust in a community.

Advanced Discord Text Formatting Tips

If you’re hooked on strikethrough, why stop there? Discord’s Markdown offers more formatting options to play with. I’ve experimented with these in various servers, and they’re game-changers for engagement. Check out more tricks on our Discord Guides.

Combining Strikethrough with Other Effects

You can mix strikethrough with bold or italics for extra flair. For example, ~~**bold and crossed out**~~ shows as bold and crossed out. Use this sparingly—too much formatting can look messy.

Using Code Blocks for Clarity

For sharing snippets or commands without formatting issues, use backticks (`) for inline code or triple backticks for blocks. Like this: `~~strikethrough~~`. It’s a neat way to teach others without triggering the effect.

FAQ: How Do I Cross Out Text in Discord?

To cross out text in Discord, wrap your message with double tildes (~~) on both sides. For example, type ~~example~~, and it’ll appear as crossed-out text. It’s that easy!

FAQ: Does Strikethrough Work on Mobile?

Yes, strikethrough works on both the Discord mobile app and desktop. Just use the same double tilde method (~~text~~). I’ve tested it on iOS and Android, and it’s flawless.

FAQ: Can I Undo Strikethrough Formatting?

Unfortunately, once sent, you can’t “undo” the formatting unless you edit the message. Just remove the tildes and resend. It’s a bit manual, but it works.

FAQ: Why Isn’t My Strikethrough Working?

If your strikethrough isn’t showing, check for spaces between tildes and text or ensure you’re using double tildes. Also, some bots or custom server settings might interfere—test in a different channel.

FAQ: Can I Use Strikethrough in Embeds?

No, Discord’s embed descriptions don’t support Markdown like strikethrough. You’ll need to stick to regular chat messages for this effect. It’s a limitation, sadly!