How to Italicize Text in Discord in 3 Steps

Key Points

• Italicized text is important on Discord for enhancing chats and drawing attention.
• It is appropriate to italicize game names, add emphasis to words, and emphasize sarcasm or contrast in statements on Discord.
• There are four methods to italicize text on Discord: using a keyboard shortcut, using markdown codes, using the desktop menu, and using the mobile app.
• Discord is a popular platform with many users, so using italics can help you stand out and ensure your message is understood.

The ability to quickly and easily italicize text is vital to written communications. Seeing that Discord is a communication-based application for gamers (and quickly expanding beyond that), the option to italicize text on Discord is incredibly important.

Whether you want to add an inspirational quote or stress sarcasm, italicized text is a versatile feature that enhances your Discord chats and draws attention. There are many ways to italicize text on Discord and we’ll show you all of them! That way you can choose the method that works the best for you.

When to Italicize Text on Discord

Discord has its own culture and you don’t want to get banned from a server or have someone change your server nickname to a version of “superannoying.” To avoid this, let’s teach you when it’s appropriate to italicize text on Discord before you go crazy with it.

First, from an author’s point of view, members should always italicize the names of games. It’s a bit of a pet peeve, but also, “Red Dead Redemption II” looks a lot better when you type it as Red Dead Redemption II.

Next, you can use italics to add emphasis to one word in a sentence. For example, you could type, “Dude, you always play terribly after you eat hot pockets!” Sure, that example is a bit stereotypical, but let’s be real here, some people play worse with a full belly.

Lastly, you could use italics on Discord to emphasize sarcasm or show contrast in a statement. An example of that would be “Fallout 76 is the best game in the series.”

Of course, don’t let us hold you back either. These are just a few examples from a long-time Discord user who really enjoys playing with text on Discord. Now that you know when to use it, let’s learn how to use it.

Method #1: Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Keyboard shortcuts on every text-based platform are superior. However, they don’t always work on Discord as well as we’d like. Based on our recent tests, this shortcut only works if you’ve already started typing. If you want an entire Discord chat to be italicized, scroll to another method. But for those who like to emphasize words, follow these steps.

Step 1: Hold Control/Command

Open a Discord chat and start typing. When you’re ready to italicize, hold the CTRL button on your keyboard (the Command button if you’re using a Mac).

Step 2: Press i

While holding the CTRL button, press i. Then, release the keys and type your text. Then, use the same shortcut to revert to standard fonts.

Method #2: the Markdown Method

Your author prefers to keep everything on the keyboard. If that sounds like you and you’re struggling with the keyboard shortcut method, you can use Discord’s markdown codes. All you need to do is follow these steps!

Step 1: Type an Asterisk (*)

Open a Discord chat and hold the shift key and press the number 8 key on your keyboard when you’re ready to start typing in italics.

Step 2: Type Your Text

Release the keys in step 1 and type your text as you normally would.

Step 3: Type another Asterisk (*)

Now, type another asterisk with no spaces. Your text will turn into italics and you can continue typing in standard font or submit the message.

Note: An asterisk is easily typed by clicking ctrl+8 or command+8.

Method #3: Using the Desktop Menu

Our readers who are experts in the keyboard-to-mouse department may enjoy Discord’s menu method to italicize text. This method is truly simple, just with a few extra hand movements. Here’s what to do.

Step 1: Type Your Text

Start out by typing your text as you would any other message.

Step 2: Highlight Your Text

Now, highlight your text by left-clicking on your mouse and dragging the cursor over the soon-to-be italicized text.

Note: If the entire statement is going to be in italics, double-click the left button on your mouse.

Step 3: Click the Italics Icon

Now, click the Italics icon in the sub-menu above your text. Then, submit it for everyone to see.

Method #4: Using the Mobile App

Discord isn’t just for desktops. Some of us use the mobile app while playing on a console and others just like to be in the know on the go. If you’re wondering how to italicize Discord text on the app, you’ll have to use markdown. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy. Follow along!

Step 1: Type an Underscore (_)

Open a Discord chat and tap the symbols button at the bottom of your keyboard. Then, tap the _ or * symbol (both achieve the same goal).

Note: Each mobile keyboard is different. However, most have a secondary symbol menu in the lower left corner. If you don’t see an underscore or asterisk on the initial menu, try looking for a sub-menu.

Step 2: Type Your Text

Now, type your text.

Step 3: Type Another Underscore (_)

When you’ve finished typing the text string to be italicized, type another underscore or asterisk (no spaces). Then, tap the send icon to submit your chat to the channel.

Note: The Discord mobile app won’t give you any feedback before sending your text. To avoid making any mistakes, ensure you typed the markdown exactly as written and there aren’t any spaces between the first and last words and the underscores.

Wrapping Up

Discord is a massive place with a lot of users and daily active server members. So, you’ll want to stand out (but not too much). If you really want to be seen or ensure a text you’re sending isn’t misunderstood, try adding some italics. You can choose any of the methods above and really show off your typing skills!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sergei Elagin/Shutterstock.com.