Discord is one of the most popular platforms for communication, catering to a diverse audience ranging from casual users to professionals. If you’re an avid user, you’ve probably noticed the variety of formatting options available to customize your messages. One of the lesser-known but highly effective styles is using small text to enhance your chats. Small text, often referred to as “subtext,” allows you to make certain parts of your message appear smaller than the standard font size, creating a visually appealing and organized look.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making small text in Discord, including practical steps, tips, and tricks to combine it with other formatting styles for maximum impact.

What Is Small Text in Discord?
Small text in Discord is essentially a way to format your text so it appears smaller than the default size used in regular messages. This formatting style is particularly useful for adding footnotes, making subtle comments, or emphasizing certain details without overwhelming the main content of your message. It helps break the monotony of plain text and can make your communication more engaging and visually structured.
By learning how to create small text, you can improve the way you express yourself in servers, direct messages, or even group chats.
Steps to Create Small Text in Discord
Creating small text in Discord requires you to use special markdown formatting, a lightweight markup language supported by Discord. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
1. Open Discord
Start by launching the Discord app on your preferred device. Whether you’re using a desktop computer, a mobile device, or accessing Discord through a web browser, this method works universally across all platforms.
2. Choose a Chat
Select the server, channel, or direct message where you want to send your formatted text. Make sure you have permission to post in the chosen space if you’re in a server with restricted channels.
3. Apply Subtext Formatting
To create small text, you’ll need to utilize Discord’s markdown syntax for subtext. Type a series of backticks (`
) followed by the desired text and close it with another set of backticks.
Example:
`This is small text`
When you press Enter, the text inside the backticks will appear smaller than the regular font in your message.
4. Send Your Message
After typing your formatted text, press Enter to send it. You’ll notice that the small text is rendered immediately in the chat, appearing distinct from the surrounding messages.
Using Small Text with Other Formatting Styles
One of the best features of Discord’s markdown system is that it allows you to combine multiple formatting styles in a single message. This flexibility can help you create visually captivating messages that stand out. Below are some examples of how you can pair small text with other styles:
1. Bold Small Text
To make your small text bold, include double asterisks (**
) inside the backticks.
Example:
`**Bold small text**`
2. Italicized Small Text
For italicized small text, use single asterisks (*
) or underscores (_
) within the backticks.
Example:
`*Italic small text*`
`_Italic small text_`
3. Underlined Small Text
Add double underscores (__
) around the text inside the backticks to underline it.
Example:
`__Underlined small text__`
4. Strikethrough Small Text
To create a strikethrough effect, use double tildes (~~
) within the backticks.
Example:
`~~Strikethrough small text~~`
These combinations allow you to emphasize your message creatively, ensuring it captures the attention of your audience.
Tips for Effectively Using Small Text
Here are some practical tips to make the most of small text in Discord:
- Use Sparingly: Overusing small text can make your messages difficult to read. Reserve it for specific situations where subtlety or emphasis is needed.
- Experiment in Private Chats: If you’re new to markdown formatting, practice creating small text in a private message or personal server before using it in public chats.
- Enhance Readability: Combine small text with other formatting options strategically to highlight important details without overwhelming the reader.
- Device Compatibility: While small text formatting generally works across all devices, it’s a good idea to preview your messages on both desktop and mobile platforms to ensure they appear as intended.
- Incorporate Emojis: Pair small text with emojis to add a fun and interactive element to your messages.
Creative Uses of Small Text in Discord
Small text can serve a variety of purposes in your chats. Here are some creative ways to incorporate it:
- Footnotes and Side Comments: Use small text to provide additional context or side notes without disrupting the flow of your main message.
- Stylized Announcements: Make announcements look unique by mixing small text with bold and underlined formatting.
- Roleplaying Games: For gamers, small text can represent whispers or quiet asides during roleplaying sessions.
- Creative Storytelling: Writers and storytellers on Discord can use small text to differentiate between narration and character dialogues.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of small text in Discord is a valuable skill that can elevate your communication and make your messages stand out in any server or chat. By understanding how to use markdown formatting and experimenting with combinations of styles, you can create visually compelling messages that engage your audience.
Whether you’re using small text for footnotes, adding a creative flair to announcements, or enhancing roleplaying interactions, this formatting tool will undoubtedly enhance your overall Discord experience. Try it out today and see how small text can make a big difference!