How to Do Strikethrough on Discord Like a Pro

Ever wanted to cross out text in a Discord chat to make a point or just for fun? Learning how to do strikethrough on Discord is super simple, and honestly, it’s a neat trick to have up your sleeve. Whether you’re correcting a typo, adding humor, or emphasizing something, strikethrough text can elevate your messaging game. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps, share unique tips, and even dive into some cool formatting hacks. Let’s get started!

Understanding Discord’s Text Formatting Basics

Before we jump into strikethrough specifically, let’s talk about Discord’s text formatting system. Discord uses a lightweight markup language called Markdown, which lets you style text with simple symbols. It’s intuitive once you get the hang of it, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best features for chat customization. Strikethrough is just one of many options, alongside bold, italics, and code blocks.

If you’re new to Markdown, don’t worry—it’s not coding in the traditional sense. Think of it as a shortcut to make your text pop. Mastering these basics will not only help with strikethrough but also open doors to other creative ways to express yourself on Discord. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s focus on strikethrough next.

How Markdown Powers Strikethrough

Strikethrough on Discord is achieved using two tildes (~) on either side of the text you want to cross out. For example, typing ~~this~~ will display as this in your chat. It’s that easy! I’ve used this countless times to jokingly “cancel” my own bad takes in group chats, and it always gets a laugh.

Markdown is lightweight and widely used across platforms like Reddit and GitHub, so learning it here can benefit you elsewhere too. The key is to ensure there are no spaces between the tildes and your text, or it won’t work. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake before!

Step-by-Step: How to Do Strikethrough on Discord

Let’s break down the exact process to do strikethrough on Discord. I’ve tested this across desktop, mobile, and web versions, and it works universally. Honestly, once you do it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. Follow these steps, and you’ll be crossing out text like a pro in no time.

1. Open Discord on your preferred device (desktop app, browser, or mobile).
2. Navigate to the server or direct message where you want to send your text.
3. In the text input box, type two tildes (~~) before and after the text you want to strikethrough. For example: ~~mistake~~.
4. Hit send, and voilà—your text will appear crossed out in the chat.

One thing I’ve noticed is that some users forget the second set of tildes at the end, and the formatting fails. Double-check before sending! If it doesn’t work, don’t panic—we’ll cover troubleshooting later.

Tips for Combining Strikethrough with Other Formatting

Here’s a unique tip you won’t find everywhere: you can combine strikethrough with other Markdown styles for extra flair. For instance, use ~~**bold and strikethrough**~~ to make text both bold and crossed out. I’ve used this in gaming servers to highlight outdated strategies while keeping the text punchy.

Just remember the order of symbols matters. Always nest the formatting correctly— innermost to outermost. So, it’s ~~**text**~~, not the other way around. Experiment with this in a private chat first to avoid spamming your friends with failed attempts!

Strikethrough on Mobile: Any Differences?

Good news—strikethrough works the same on mobile as it does on desktop. Whether you’re on iOS or Android, just type the double tildes around your text. I’ve typed messages on the go during commutes, and it’s seamless. The only hiccup might be finding the tilde key (~) on some keyboards.

If you’re struggling, switch to a keyboard with easier symbol access or copy-paste the tilde from a note. It’s a small workaround, but it saves time. Mobile users, don’t let this tiny detail stop you from joining the formatting fun!

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Even with something as simple as strikethrough, things can go wrong. I’ve messed up formatting more times than I’d like to admit, especially when I first started. Let’s troubleshoot some common problems so you don’t waste time scratching your head over a failed message.

Why Isn’t My Strikethrough Working?

If your strikethrough isn’t showing up, check for these issues. First, ensure you’re using two tildes on each side without spaces. Typing ~ ~text~ ~ won’t work—remove those gaps. I’ve seen friends struggle with this, thinking spaces make it “cleaner,” but Markdown is strict.

Second, confirm the server or channel allows formatting. Some bots or server settings can disable Markdown, though this is rare. If you suspect this, test in a DM or another server. Lastly, if you’re on an older version of Discord, update the app—bugs in outdated versions can mess with formatting.

Dealing with Bot Interference

Some Discord bots automatically parse or override text formatting, which can break strikethrough. I ran into this once in a server with a custom bot that reformatted messages. My solution? Mention the issue to the server admin or temporarily disable the bot if you have permission.

If that’s not an option, try sending your message in a code block (using backticks `) to preserve raw text, though it won’t show as strikethrough. It’s not ideal, but it’s a workaround. Honestly, bots can be a pain, but they’re often worth the hassle for other features.

Why Use Strikethrough? Real-World Examples

Strikethrough isn’t just a gimmick—it’s genuinely useful in many scenarios. In my experience, it adds clarity and personality to chats. According to a 2022 Statista report, Discord had over 150 million monthly active users (Statista), many of whom use formatting to stand out. Let’s explore why strikethrough matters with some practical examples.

Adding Humor or Sarcasm

One of my favorite uses of strikethrough is for humor. Typing something like “I’m ~~totally not~~ addicted to this game” gets a chuckle in gaming servers. It’s a subtle way to show sarcasm without overexplaining. I’ve seen entire meme threads built around crossed-out roasts, and it’s hilarious every time.

Just don’t overdo it—too much strikethrough can make your message cluttered. Use it sparingly for maximum impact. Trust me, a well-timed strikethrough is worth more than a wall of crossed-out text.

Correcting Mistakes Without Deleting

Another practical use is correcting yourself without editing the message. For instance, “I meant 8 PM, ~~not 7 PM~~” shows transparency. I’ve used this in work-related Discord channels to avoid confusion while keeping the convo flowing. It’s a small touch, but it builds trust.

This also works great for public apologies or clarifications in big servers. People appreciate seeing the original text alongside the correction. It’s a pro move that shows attention to detail.

“Strikethrough is my go-to for playful banter in chats. It’s like a digital eye-roll!” — A Discord user from my gaming server

FAQ: How Do I Make Text Bold and Strikethrough Together on Discord?

Combining bold and strikethrough is easy with nested Markdown. Type ~~**your text**~~ to get the dual effect. Ensure the bold (** ) is inside the strikethrough (~~ ) symbols with no spaces. I’ve used this combo to highlight retracted statements with extra emphasis—it works like a charm!

FAQ: Does Strikethrough Work in Discord Embeds?

Unfortunately, strikethrough and other Markdown formatting don’t work in Discord embeds created by bots or webhooks. Embeds have their own styling rules, and Markdown isn’t supported. If you’re designing embeds, use a tool like Discord Tools for custom formatting options or check the bot’s documentation.

FAQ: Can I Use Strikethrough in Discord Statuses?

No, Discord statuses don’t support Markdown formatting like strikethrough. Your custom status will display the raw text, tildes included. If you want styled text elsewhere, stick to chat messages or check out profile customization tips on forums like the official Discord blog (Discord Blog).

By now, you should be a strikethrough master on Discord. From basic steps to advanced combos, I’ve shared everything I’ve learned from years of chatting and experimenting. Honestly, formatting is one of those small joys that make Discord feel personal. Got a favorite formatting trick? Drop it in the server or DM me—I’m always eager to learn more. Keep chatting, keep crossing out, and most importantly, have fun!