How to Bold Text on Discord (Markdown vs Unicode)
Quick answer
Discord chat supports Markdown‑style formatting, so you can bold text by wrapping it with double asterisks: **bold**. For headings, server announcements, or places where Markdown doesn’t render, use Unicode bold copy‑paste instead.
Method A: Markdown bold (fast for chat)
Use Markdown formatting directly in chat messages:
**this becomes bold**
Best for:
- Short emphasis in chat
- Inline highlights inside longer messages
Method B: Unicode bold (portable)
Unicode bold text uses special characters, so it works in any field that accepts text. This is ideal for server announcements, channel descriptions, or cross‑platform use.
Best for:
- Announcements and rule headers
- Event schedules
- Pinned messages
- Display names (when allowed)
Comparison table
| Method | Works where | Best use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Markdown | Chat messages | Inline emphasis | **bold** |
| Unicode | Anywhere text is accepted | Headings & announcements | 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗦 |
Copy‑ready Discord examples
Announcements
- 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗦
- 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧
- 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟
- 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥
Channel labels
- 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦
- 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘
- 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦
- 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘
Discord formatting tips
- Use Markdown for short emphasis
- Use Unicode for headings
- Keep bold headings under 8 words
- Avoid bolding full paragraphs
- Preview announcements before pinning
FAQ
Q: Why doesn’t Markdown work everywhere?
A: Some Discord fields don’t render Markdown, so use Unicode bold there instead.
Q: Can I bold channel names?
A: Channel names have strict rules—Unicode may not always be allowed. Test before saving.
Q: Which method is more portable?
A: Unicode bold is more portable across platforms and apps.
Q: Why does bold look different on mobile?
A: Rendering depends on the system font, which can vary by device.
Final tip
Use Markdown for quick emphasis in chat, and Unicode bold for headings and reusable templates. That combo keeps your server clean and readable.