How to Cross Out Text in Discord: The Hidden Formatting Tricks Everyone Misses

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Discord’s text editor is a hidden playground of formatting options, yet most users overlook its simplest yet most useful feature: the ability to cross out text. Whether you’re editing a typo mid-conversation, marking outdated information, or adding emphasis without bold or italics, knowing how to strike through text transforms mundane chats into polished exchanges. The method isn’t obvious—Discord buries it in layers of Markdown syntax and platform-specific quirks—but mastering it saves time and elevates your presence in servers, DMs, or even bots.

The frustration starts when you realize Discord doesn’t have a dedicated "strikethrough" button like Word or Google Docs. Users resort to awkward workarounds: underlining, repeating text with corrections, or worse, leaving errors visible. But the solution exists, buried in Discord’s Markdown support, mobile app limitations, and even third-party tools. The key lies in understanding where Discord’s formatting rules bend—and where they break.

For power users, the stakes are higher. Moderators need to flag outdated rules, developers must document deprecated commands, and streamers rely on clean overlays where crossed-out text signals edits without disrupting flow. The difference between a chaotic message history and a professional one often hinges on this single formatting trick.

how to cross out text in discord

The Complete Overview of How to Cross Out Text in Discord

Discord’s strikethrough feature operates on two fronts: native Markdown support (for desktop/web) and platform-specific hacks (for mobile). The desktop method is straightforward—wrap text in double tildes (`~~`)—but mobile users face a catch: Discord’s iOS and Android apps historically ignored Markdown for strikethrough, forcing them to rely on third-party apps or workarounds. Even today, the mobile experience lags behind, making the desktop method the gold standard for consistency. The discrepancy stems from Discord’s prioritization of speed over formatting precision, a trade-off that frustrates users who demand parity across devices.

The confusion deepens when users test the feature and find it fails in certain contexts. For example, strikethrough may not render in embedded links, code blocks, or when mixed with other Markdown tags like bold (``). Discord’s parser has edge cases, and understanding them is crucial. A crossed-out word inside a code block (`~~`text`~~`) might appear as literal tildes, not formatting. The solution? Test combinations in a private server first. This trial-and-error phase is where most users abandon the feature entirely—until they realize the rules are logical, not arbitrary.

Historical Background and Evolution

Discord’s adoption of Markdown began in 2017 as a way to standardize formatting across platforms, but strikethrough was an afterthought. Early versions of the desktop app supported basic Markdown (bold, italics, inline code), but mobile apps lagged, often stripping formatting entirely. The `~~` syntax for strikethrough was added later, around 2019, as part of Discord’s push to align with GitHub’s Markdown conventions. However, mobile support remained inconsistent until 2021, when Discord quietly patched iOS and Android to recognize `~~`—but only in specific regions or app versions.

The delay reveals Discord’s priorities: functionality over aesthetics. While desktop users could format messages with precision, mobile users were left with clunky alternatives like typing `[strikethrough]` and relying on bots to parse it. This divide persists today, with some users reporting that strikethrough still fails on older Android devices. The lesson? Discord’s formatting features evolve slowly, and mobile parity is never guaranteed.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

Under the hood, Discord’s strikethrough relies on CSS text-decoration: line-through, applied via Markdown’s `~~` syntax. When you type `~~crossed out~~`, Discord’s parser converts it to `crossed out`. The process is seamless on desktop but fraught with variables on mobile, where the app may ignore the syntax or render it as plain text. The inconsistency stems from Discord’s use of WebView-based rendering on mobile, which doesn’t always support full Markdown parsing.

For developers curious about the technical side, the `~~` syntax is part of GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM), which Discord adopted with modifications. Unlike other platforms, Discord doesn’t support alternative strikethrough methods (e.g., `text` HTML tags), locking users into the `~~` convention. This limitation forces creativity—users must work within Discord’s constraints, not around them.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

Crossing out text isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a communication tool that clarifies intent. In a server where rules change frequently, a crossed-out line signals "this no longer applies" without deleting the message entirely. For moderators, it’s a way to mark outdated warnings or temporary bans. Even in casual chats, strikethrough adds nuance—imagine correcting a typo mid-sentence without rewriting the entire message. The feature bridges the gap between "quick reply" and "polished communication," a balance Discord’s fast-paced environment often sacrifices.

The psychological impact is subtle but real. A crossed-out word feels less abrupt than a deletion, preserving the conversation’s flow. It’s a visual cue that says, "I noticed this, and here’s the update." This matters in professional spaces where Discord functions as a workplace tool. Teams using Discord for project management, for example, rely on strikethrough to track changes in real time—no need to switch to a separate doc.

"Formatting isn’t just about looks—it’s about making information digestible. In a chat where messages scroll endlessly, a crossed-out line stands out without screaming." — Discord Community Moderator, 2023

Major Advantages

  • Non-destructive edits: Cross out text without deleting the original message, preserving context for future reference.
  • Visual hierarchy: Draw attention to corrections, deprecated commands, or temporary notes without bold/italics.
  • Mobile compatibility (when it works): Once enabled, strikethrough syncs across devices, reducing formatting inconsistencies.
  • Bot-friendly: Many Discord bots (e.g., MEE6, Dyno) support strikethrough in custom commands, expanding use cases.
  • Accessibility: Clear visual cues help users with ADHD or dyslexia follow threaded conversations with edits.

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Comparative Analysis

Desktop (Web/Mac/Windows) Mobile (iOS/Android)
`~~text~~` works reliably in most servers. Strikethrough may fail on older app versions or specific devices.
Supports nested formatting (e.g., `~~bold crossed out~~`). Nested formatting often breaks; test before relying on it.
No third-party tools needed. May require apps like Discord Markdown for iOS.
Works in code blocks if escaped (e.g., `\`~~text~~\``). Code blocks ignore `~~` entirely; use plain text or HTML alternatives.
Discord’s approach to formatting will likely shift toward real-time collaboration tools, where strikethrough becomes part of a broader suite of edit indicators (like Google Docs’ track changes). The challenge is balancing mobile performance with feature parity. As Discord expands into professional use cases, expect stricter Markdown support—including strikethrough—across all platforms. Meanwhile, third-party apps will fill the gap, offering custom formatting options that Discord’s native editor can’t.

The bigger trend? AI-assisted formatting**. Imagine typing a message and Discord auto-applying strikethrough to corrected words, or bots suggesting edits with visual cues. This could redefine how users interact with text in Discord, turning it into a dynamic workspace rather than just a chat app. For now, though, the `~~` method remains the most reliable way to cross out text—if you know how to use it.

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Conclusion

Mastering how to cross out text in Discord isn’t about memorizing a single shortcut; it’s about understanding the platform’s quirks and adapting your workflow. Desktop users have it easy, but mobile users must navigate workarounds or wait for Discord to close the gap. The feature’s power lies in its simplicity: a pair of tildes can transform a messy chat into a structured conversation. For those who rely on Discord for work, gaming, or community building, this small formatting trick is a game-changer.

The next time you need to edit a message without rewriting it, don’t settle for underlining or repeating text. Use `~~`—or the mobile equivalent—and watch your communication become clearer, more professional, and just a little more polished.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Why doesn’t strikethrough work in my mobile Discord app?

Mobile support for `~~` is inconsistent due to Discord’s WebView limitations. Update your app, check for regional restrictions, or use a third-party Markdown app like Discord Markdown for iOS. Some Android devices may require enabling "Rich Text" in app settings.

Q: Can I cross out text in a code block?

No, but you can escape the tildes: type `\`~~text~~\`` to display `~~text~~` as literal text. Alternatively, use a monospace font workaround (e.g., `~~text~~`), though this isn’t true strikethrough.

Q: Does strikethrough work in Discord bots?

Most modern bots (MEE6, Dyno, Carl-bot) support `~~` in custom commands. Test with `!command ~~~text~~~` to confirm. Older bots may ignore the syntax.

Q: What if I accidentally cross out the wrong word?

Edit the message immediately—Discord allows unlimited edits within 14 days. For public messages, this prevents confusion better than deleting and reposting.

Q: Are there alternative ways to cross out text?

No, Discord only supports `~~` for strikethrough. Workarounds include underlining (`text`) or using Unicode characters (e.g., ❌ before text), but these lack the clarity of true strikethrough.