Mastering Discord Strikethrough: Cross Out Text With Ease
Have you ever sent a message on Discord, and then, you know, immediately wished you could take back just a part of it? Maybe you made a little typo, or perhaps you changed your mind about something you typed, but deleting the whole thing feels a bit too dramatic. Well, good news, because Discord has a pretty neat feature called strikethrough that lets you, in a way, cross out what you just wrote without erasing it completely. It's a simple trick, really, that can make your chats much more expressive and, actually, a lot clearer for everyone involved.
This handy formatting option, sometimes called "crossing out text," is perfect for those moments when you want to show a correction, indicate something is no longer quite relevant, or even just make a playful joke. It’s a subtle yet very effective way to communicate nuances in your messages, which, you know, can be super helpful in a fast-paced chat environment like Discord. Learning how to do this means you can keep your conversations flowing smoothly, without needing to backtrack or send awkward follow-up messages, which is pretty cool.
So, whether you're chatting with friends in a gaming server, coordinating a project, or just having some fun, knowing how to use discord strikethrough will really upgrade your messaging game. We're going to cover the best ways to use this feature across different devices, along with some quick tips on how to make your messages truly stand out. You'll see, it's fairly simple to pick up, and you'll be crossing out text like a pro in no time, which is something many people want to do, as a matter of fact.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Discord Strikethrough
- The Tilde Method: Your Go-To for Strikethrough
- The Context Menu Method for Desktop and Web
- Why Use Discord Strikethrough in Your Chats?
- Other Discord Text Formatting You Should Know
- Troubleshooting Common Strikethrough Issues
- Frequently Asked Questions About Discord Strikethrough
Understanding Discord Strikethrough
Strikethrough is a text formatting option that, well, draws a line right through the middle of your text. It's a clear visual cue that something has been, perhaps, deleted or crossed out, but still remains visible for everyone to see. In Discord, this feature lets you cancel parts of your message without actually removing them, which is a pretty big deal for clarity in conversations. It's a simple yet powerful tool for communication, actually, and it helps a lot with making your intentions clear, so.
You might wonder why you'd want to keep crossed-out text visible instead of just deleting it. The reason is that it gives context. If you delete a message, people might wonder what was there before, or why you removed it. With strikethrough, you show what was originally said and then, in a way, what the change is, which is often much more helpful. It's a bit like making a quick edit on a document for everyone to see the revision history, you know.
Discord, being a communication platform for gamers and communities, offers various text formatting options to help you express yourself better. Strikethrough is just one of these, but it's a very useful one for a wide range of situations. It allows for a more dynamic and, arguably, more transparent way of chatting, letting you communicate things that are no longer relevant or even just a funny thought that you, like, decided to retract mid-sentence, so it's quite versatile.
The Tilde Method: Your Go-To for Strikethrough
The easiest and most common way to add strikethrough to your text on Discord is by using the tilde symbol. This method works across all versions of Discord – desktop, web, Android, and iOS – making it universally helpful. It’s pretty straightforward, too, you just need to place two tildes (~) on both ends of the text you want to cross out. So, if you want to strike through "Hello World," you'd type `~~Hello World~~`. It's that simple, actually.
This markdown symbol approach is, in fact, how most text formatting works on Discord. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find yourself using it quite often, perhaps for correcting little mistakes or just for adding a bit of flair to your messages. It's a quick and efficient way to apply the formatting without needing to click through menus, which, for many, is a faster way to get things done, you know. Just remember the double tilde, and you're good to go, basically.
How to Type the Tilde Symbol
Before you can use the tilde method, you need to know how to type the tilde symbol itself. On most keyboards, the tilde (~) is located on the top-left, usually sharing a key with the grave accent (`) and often found just below the Esc key. To type it, you'll typically press the Shift key and then that specific key simultaneously. It's a pretty standard keyboard function, so you probably already know how to do it, but it's worth mentioning just in case, right?
For mobile devices, typing the tilde might vary slightly depending on your keyboard app. Usually, you can find it by pressing and holding the "N" key, or sometimes it's under the symbols or numbers section of your keyboard. Just look around a bit, and you'll spot it, I mean, it's usually there. Once you know where it is, applying strikethrough on your phone or tablet becomes just as easy as on a computer, which is really convenient for chatting on the go, you know.
Strikethrough on Desktop and Web with Tildes
To use discord strikethrough on your computer, whether you're using the desktop app or Discord in your web browser, follow these simple steps. First, open Discord and go to the chat where you want to send your message. Then, type your message as you normally would. When you get to the part you want to cross out, simply place two tilde symbols (~~) before that text and two more tilde symbols (~~) after it. For example, typing `~~This is wrong~~ This is right` will show "This is wrong This is right" in your chat, which is pretty neat.
You'll see the text format correctly in the preview window before you even send it, which is very helpful for making sure it looks just right. This instant feedback means you can adjust your formatting if needed before anyone else sees it. It’s a very quick way to get your point across, and it's something you'll likely use quite often once you get used to it, I mean, it's just so simple, basically.
Strikethrough on Mobile (Android and iOS) with Tildes
Adding strikethrough to your messages on Discord's mobile app, for both Android and iPhone, works exactly the same way as on desktop, you know. The key is to manually insert those two tilde symbols. So, you'll open your Discord app and navigate to the chat. Then, type your message, and when you reach the text you want to cross out, you'll type `~~` before it and `~~` after it. For instance, `~~Forget what I said~~ I meant this instead` will appear as "Forget what I said I meant this instead" once you send it.
The main difference here is, arguably, how you access the tilde symbol on your mobile keyboard. As mentioned, it might be tucked away in a symbols menu or accessible by long-pressing another key. Once you find it, though, the process is identical. It’s a very consistent feature across all platforms, which is something users really appreciate, as a matter of fact, it makes learning it once mean you know it everywhere, which is quite convenient.
The Context Menu Method for Desktop and Web
For those who prefer a more visual way to format text, Discord’s desktop and web apps offer a context menu option for strikethrough. This method is, in a way, a bit more intuitive for some users, especially if you're not used to markdown symbols. Here’s how you do it: First, type your message in the chat box. Then, use your mouse to highlight the specific text you want to strike through. Once the text is highlighted, a small context menu will pop up right above your selection, you know.
In this menu, you'll see several formatting options. Look for the "S" icon with a line crossing through it – that's your strikethrough button. Just click on that icon, and Discord will automatically add the `~~` markdown symbols around your highlighted text, applying the strikethrough effect. This is a very user-friendly way to achieve the same result as typing the tildes manually, and it's a great alternative if you, like, forget the markdown syntax sometimes, which happens, right?
This method is particularly useful when you're editing a longer message or if you're just, perhaps, more comfortable with graphical interfaces. It takes a little longer than just typing the tildes if you're fast, but it ensures you get the formatting right every single time. So, you have a choice between the quick typing method and this more visual, click-based approach, which is pretty good for different preferences, I mean, it's nice to have options.
Why Use Discord Strikethrough in Your Chats?
Strikethrough isn't just a fancy formatting trick; it actually serves several practical purposes in your Discord conversations. It helps you communicate more clearly and, in a way, adds depth to your messages. People use it for various reasons, from simple corrections to adding humor, and it's a pretty versatile tool for expressing yourself better. So, let's look at some of the common scenarios where discord strikethrough really shines, you know, because it's more than just crossing out words, it's about conveying meaning.
Making Corrections Without Deleting
One of the most common uses for strikethrough is to correct a mistake without completely deleting your original message. Let's say you typed a date wrong, or perhaps you misspelled a word. Instead of deleting the whole sentence and retyping it, you can simply strike through the incorrect part and then, you know, type the correction right next to it. For example: `The meeting is on ~~Tuesday~~ Wednesday.` This clearly shows the original error and the correction, which is much better than just deleting the "Tuesday" and typing "Wednesday," as a matter of fact.
This approach keeps the flow of conversation going and prevents any confusion about what was originally said. It’s a very transparent way to edit your messages, and it helps everyone stay on the same page. It’s almost like saying, "Oops, I meant this instead," but doing it right in the message itself, which is pretty handy, you know.
Indicating Outdated Information
Sometimes, information you've shared becomes irrelevant or, perhaps, is no longer valid. Instead of deleting the old information, which might leave a gap in the conversation, you can use strikethrough to show that it's outdated. For example, if you posted a link that's no longer working, you could type: `~~Old link: [link.com]~~ New link: [newlink.com]`. This way, people can see the old information but also immediately understand that it's no longer the one to use, which is very helpful for keeping things current, so.
This is particularly useful in group chats or announcement channels where you might post updates. It helps maintain a clear record of changes and prevents people from accidentally using old information. It’s a bit like putting a "discontinued" sign on something, but doing it in your chat messages, which is quite effective, really.
Adding Humor or Sarcasm
Strikethrough can be a fantastic tool for adding humor, irony, or sarcasm to your messages. You can, in a way, say something and then immediately retract it for comedic effect, or use it to convey a hidden thought. For instance: `I just finished all my work ~~and then watched YouTube for three hours~~.` The crossed-out part reveals a humorous truth or a playful thought you're "hiding" in plain sight. It's a very clever way to add personality to your chats, you know, and it often gets a good laugh.
This kind of usage makes your messages more engaging and, arguably, more fun to read. It's a subtle form of expression that can really spice up your conversations and make them feel more, like, human. So, if you're looking to add a bit of wit to your Discord interactions, strikethrough is definitely a tool to consider, I mean, it's pretty effective for that.
Crossing Off Lists and Tasks
If you're using Discord to manage tasks or share to-do lists, strikethrough is perfect for marking items as completed. Instead of deleting tasks once they're done, which might make it hard to track progress, you can simply cross them out. For example:
- `~~Buy groceries~~`
- `Finish report`
- `~~Call Sarah~~`
This method helps keep a visible record of progress, which can be very motivating for a team or even for yourself. It’s a straightforward and effective way to manage simple lists directly within your Discord chats, which is pretty convenient, actually, for quick updates and tracking.
Emphasizing a Change of Mind
Sometimes you might say something, and then, almost immediately, you have a second thought or decide to express yourself differently. Strikethrough lets you show that immediate change of thought. It's like saying, "I was going to say this, but actually, I think this." For example: `I'm going to eat pizza for dinner ~~no, wait, I'm trying to be healthy~~ maybe just a salad.` This shows a moment of internal debate or a quick decision change, which can be quite relatable and, in a way, adds a human touch to your messages, so.
It's a very honest way to communicate your thought process and makes your messages feel more authentic. It lets you be a little bit spontaneous without completely losing the original idea, which is pretty cool, I mean, it’s a neat trick for dynamic conversations.
Other Discord Text Formatting You Should Know
Discord offers more than just strikethrough to make your messages stand out. Learning these basic markdown commands will, in a way, let you format your text in many different ways, making your communication much clearer and more expressive. These are very simple to use and follow a similar pattern to strikethrough, which is good for consistency. So, let's look at a few other key formatting options you might find very useful, you know, for really making your words pop.
Bold Text
To make text bold, you just need to place two asterisks (**) on both sides of the text you want to emphasize. For example, typing `**Important Message**` will display as "Important Message" in your chat. This is great for highlighting key information or, perhaps, drawing attention to a specific word or phrase. It's a very common formatting option, and it's quite effective for making certain parts of your message really stand out, so it's a good one to know, actually.
Italic Text
If you want to italicize text, you can use either a single asterisk (*) or a single underscore (_) on both sides of the text. So, `*This is italic*` or `_This is also italic_` will both appear as "This is italic". Italic text is often used for emphasis, for titles of books or movies, or for indicating a thought or a whisper in text. It adds a subtle but noticeable change to your text, which is pretty neat for conveying different tones, you know.
Underlined Text
To underline text in Discord, you'll use two underscores (__) on both ends of the text. For example, `__This is underlined__` will show as "This is underlined". Underlining can be used to draw attention to something important, much like bolding, but with a different visual style. It's another way to make specific words or phrases visually distinct in your messages, which is very helpful for clarity, as a matter of fact, and it's fairly easy to do.
By combining these formatting options, you can create really dynamic and informative messages. Imagine using bold for a heading, italics for a quote, and strikethrough for a correction, all in one message! It truly lets you express yourself more fully and, in a way, makes your Discord chats much more engaging for everyone involved. For more comprehensive details on all Discord's text formatting capabilities, you can actually check out Discord's official support page, which is a very good resource.
Troubleshooting Common Strikethrough Issues
While using discord strikethrough is generally very simple, sometimes people run into little issues. Most problems, actually, stem from small typos in the markdown symbols. If your text isn't crossing out, here are a few things to check, you know, just to make sure everything is right.
- **Double-Check Your Tildes:** Make sure you're using *two* tildes (~~) on each side of the text, not just one. A single tilde won't work for strikethrough.
- **Correct Placement:** Ensure the tildes are directly next to the text you want to strike through, without any extra spaces between the tilde and the first or last character of your text. For example, `~~ text ~~` won't work, but `~~text~~` will.
- **Conflicting Formatting:** If you're trying to combine strikethrough with other formatting (like bold or italics), make sure the symbols are nested correctly. For instance, `**~~bold and strikethrough~~**` should work, but `~~**bold and strikethrough**~~` also works, so, it depends on the order you want the formatting to apply.
- **App Glitch:** Very rarely, the Discord app itself might have a temporary glitch. If everything looks correct and it's still not working, try restarting your Discord application or refreshing your browser page. Sometimes, that's all it takes, which is pretty common for many apps, right?
These little checks usually resolve most strikethrough problems, so you can get back to formatting your messages just the way you want them. It's a bit like finding a small knot in a string; once you see it, it's easy to untangle, I mean, it's usually a quick fix, basically.
Frequently Asked Questions About Discord Strikethrough
1. How do you cross out text on Discord mobile?
To cross out text on Discord mobile, you simply need to type two tilde (~) symbols before and after the text you want to strike through. For instance, if you type `~~Hello there!~~`, it will show up as "Hello there!" once you send the message. This method works the same way on both Android and iOS devices, which is very consistent, you know.
2. What does strikethrough mean on Discord?
On Discord, strikethrough is a text formatting option that draws a line right through the middle of the text. It means that the text has been, perhaps, deleted, crossed out, or is no longer relevant, but it remains visible in the chat. It's often used for corrections, indicating outdated information, or for adding humor, which is pretty versatile, actually, for communication.
3. Can I use a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough on Discord?
While there isn't a direct single keyboard shortcut to *apply* strikethrough like Ctrl+B for bold, you can use the keyboard to type the necessary tilde symbols. On most keyboards, you press Shift + ` (the key usually to the left of '1') to type a tilde. Then, you just type two of those (~~) around your text. Alternatively, on desktop and web, you can highlight text and then click the 'S' with a line icon in the context menu, which is a visual way to do it, so it's a bit like a shortcut, in a way. You can learn more about Discord text formatting on our site, and for more advanced tips, you might want to check out this page for more Discord tricks.
- Lukas Nelson Discusses His Relationship With His Famous Musician Father
- Best Remoteiot Device Control Free

What is Discord?

Download Discord to Talk, Play, and Hang Out

Discord, Inc. | iOS App Store | Apptopia