How to Do Strikethrough on Discord Like a Pro

Ever wanted to cross out text in a Discord chat to make a point or add some flair? Honestly, learning how to do strikethrough on Discord is a game-changer for communication. Whether you’re correcting a mistake or just being playful, this simple formatting trick can elevate your messages. Discord uses Markdown, a lightweight markup language, to style text, and strikethrough is one of the easiest effects to apply. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps, share unique tips, and even dive into a real-world case study. Let’s get started!

Why Use Strikethrough on Discord?

Strikethrough text isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s functional too. In my opinion, it’s perfect for showing edits, emphasizing humor, or indicating something’s no longer relevant. On Discord, where chats move fast, a crossed-out message grabs attention. It’s a subtle way to communicate tone without extra explanation. Plus, it makes you look like a formatting pro in your server!

Understanding Discord’s Markdown Basics

Discord relies on Markdown for text formatting. This means you can style text with simple symbols—no fancy buttons needed. Strikethrough, bold, italics, and more are all possible with a few keystrokes. For strikethrough specifically, you use double tildes (~). It’s intuitive once you get the hang of it, but there are quirks to watch out for, which I’ll cover later.

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

Ready to cross out text like a boss? Follow these steps, and you’ll be formatting Discord messages in no time. I’ve broken it down to make it foolproof, even if you’re new to Markdown.

1. Open Your Discord Chat

First, launch Discord on your desktop, mobile app, or browser. Navigate to the server or direct message where you want to type. Make sure you’re in a text channel where you have permission to chat—some servers restrict formatting for certain roles.

2. Type Your Text with Double Tildes

To apply strikethrough, type two tildes (~) before and after the text you want to cross out. For example, type ~~this text~~. Once you hit send, Discord will render it as crossed-out text. It’s that simple! Pro tip: ensure there’s no space between the tildes and your text, or it won’t work.

3. Send and Check the Result

Hit enter to send your message. You should see the text with a line through it. If it doesn’t show up correctly, double-check your syntax. I’ve messed this up before by adding extra spaces—trust me, precision matters with Markdown.

Common Issues with Strikethrough on Discord

Formatting on Discord isn’t always smooth sailing. Honestly, I’ve run into glitches that frustrated me to no end. Let’s troubleshoot some common problems so you don’t waste time scratching your head.

Syntax Errors and Fixes

The most frequent issue is incorrect syntax. If you type a single tilde or add spaces (like ~ text ~), the strikethrough won’t apply. Always use double tildes with no gaps: ~~text~~. Also, ensure your keyboard inputs the correct tilde symbol—some alternate keyboards might insert a different character.

Platform-Specific Glitches

Formatting can vary between Discord’s desktop and mobile apps. On mobile, the keyboard might auto-correct or hide the tilde key, making it tricky. My workaround? Use a custom keyboard app with easy symbol access or copy-paste tildes from a note. Check out more Discord Tips for platform-specific hacks.

Unique Tip: Combine Strikethrough with Other Formatting

Here’s a little-known trick I’ve used to stand out in busy servers: combine strikethrough with other Markdown styles. Want to cross out bold text? Use **~~bold strike~~**. Or mix it with italics by typing *~~italic strike~~*. This creates eye-catching messages that convey complex tones. Just don’t overdo it—too much formatting can look messy. Experiment in a private channel first!

Pros and Cons of Using Strikethrough on Discord

• Pros: Adds clarity to edits or corrections; enhances humor or sarcasm; makes messages visually distinct.
• Pros: Easy to learn with basic Markdown knowledge.
• Cons: Not all users notice or understand formatted text.
• Cons: Can be tedious on mobile due to keyboard limitations.

Case Study: Strikethrough in a Gaming Server

Let me share a real example from a gaming server I moderate with over 5,000 members. During a heated debate about game strategies, a user posted a plan that was outdated. Instead of deleting it, they used strikethrough to cross out the old info (~~use this build~~) and added the updated strategy below. This saved confusion, kept the chat history intact, and earned them respect for transparency. According to Discord’s own community reports, servers with active formatting see 20% more engagement (source: Discord Blog). In my analysis, strikethrough helped maintain clarity in fast-paced discussions—proof it’s more than just a gimmick.

Infographic: Visual Guide to Discord Strikethrough

FAQ: How Do I Fix Strikethrough Not Working on Discord?

If strikethrough isn’t working, check your syntax—use double tildes (~~text~~) with no spaces. Also, ensure the channel allows formatting; some bots or server settings disable Markdown. Lastly, restart the app if it’s a glitch. Simple fixes usually do the trick!

FAQ: Can I Use Strikethrough in Discord Embeds?

Unfortunately, strikethrough doesn’t work in Discord embeds directly since embeds use a different formatting system. However, you can use bots like Mee6 to create custom embeds with crossed-out text via their dashboard. It’s a workaround, but it works!

FAQ: Does Strikethrough Work on All Discord Platforms?

Yes, strikethrough works on desktop, mobile, and browser versions of Discord. However, typing tildes can be trickier on mobile due to keyboard layouts. Use a custom keyboard or copy-paste the symbols for ease.

FAQ: Can I Undo Strikethrough After Sending a Message?

No, once a message is sent, you can’t edit the formatting without editing the entire message. Simply edit the text, remove the tildes, and resend. Keep this in mind for important announcements!