Discord Guide
Discord is a popular communication platform designed for creating communities. It supports
text, voice, and video communication, making it ideal for gamers, educators, and anyone looking
to create an online community. This guide will help you get started with Discord and explore its
features.
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started
o System Requirements
o Creating an Account
o Downloading and Installing the App
2. Understanding the Interface
o Home Screen
o Servers and Channels
o User Settings
3. Setting Up a Server
o Creating a Server
o Server Settings
o Creating Channels
o Roles and Permissions
4. Communication Features
o Text Channels
o Voice Channels
o Video Calls and Screen Sharing
5. Customization and Bots
o Custom Emojis
o Adding Bots
o Useful Bots
6. Security and Privacy
o Account Security
o Server Security
o Privacy Settings
7. Tips and Tricks
o Keyboard Shortcuts
o Integrations
o Using Discord for Different Purposes
8. Troubleshooting and Support
1. Getting Started
System Requirements
Discord can be used on various platforms:
Windows: Windows 7 and up
macOS: macOS 10.10 and up
Linux: Any modern distribution
Mobile: iOS 10.0 and up, Android 5.0 and up
Web: Any modern browser
Creating an Account
1. Visit the Discord website.
2. Click "Login" and then "Register".
3. Fill in your email, username, password, and date of birth.
4. Follow the verification steps sent to your email.
Downloading and Installing the App
1. Go to the Discord download page.
2. Select the appropriate version for your operating system.
3. Download and run the installer.
4. Open the app and log in with your account.
2. Understanding the Interface
Home Screen
The home screen features:
Friends List: See which friends are online and send direct messages.
Activity Feed: View what games your friends are playing.
User Settings: Customize your profile and preferences.
Servers and Channels
Servers: Collections of channels. Represented by icons on the left sidebar.
Channels: Subsections within servers, divided into text and voice channels.
User Settings
Accessed by clicking the gear icon next to your username. Key settings include:
My Account: Change your username, email, and password.
Privacy & Safety: Adjust privacy settings.
Notifications: Customize notification preferences.
Voice & Video: Set up your microphone, speakers, and camera.
Appearance: Customize the app's look and feel.
3. Setting Up a Server
Creating a Server
1. Click the "+" button on the left sidebar.
2. Select "Create My Own" or choose a template.
3. Enter a server name and select a region.
4. Click "Create".
Server Settings
Access server settings by clicking the server name and selecting "Server Settings". Key options
include:
Overview: Basic server details and region.
Roles: Manage permissions and roles.
Moderation: Set up verification levels and filters.
Creating Channels
1. Click the "+" button next to "Text Channels" or "Voice Channels".
2. Enter a channel name and select the channel type.
3. Click "Create Channel".
Roles and Permissions
1. Go to "Server Settings" > "Roles".
2. Click "Create Role" and name it.
3. Assign permissions for each role.
4. Drag roles to set hierarchy.
4. Communication Features
Text Channels
Send messages, share files, and use commands.
Use Markdown for formatting text.
Tag users with "@" followed by their username.
Voice Channels
Join by clicking on a channel.
Mute/unmute yourself and adjust audio settings.
Use "Push to Talk" or "Voice Activity" settings.
Video Calls and Screen Sharing
Start a video call or screen share by clicking the camera or screen icon in a voice channel.
Adjust video settings and layout.
5. Customization and Bots
Custom Emojis
1. Go to "Server Settings" > "Emoji".
2. Click "Upload Emoji".
3. Select an image file and name the emoji.
Adding Bots
1. Find a bot on websites like Top.gg.
2. Click "Invite" and select your server.
3. Authorize the bot with the necessary permissions.
Useful Bots
MEE6: Moderation, leveling, and custom commands.
Dyno: Moderation, auto-roles, and custom commands.
Rythm: Music bot for playing songs in voice channels.
6. Security and Privacy
Account Security
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in "User Settings" > "My Account".
Use a strong, unique password.
Server Security
Set up moderation tools and roles.
Use verification levels to control who can join and post.
Privacy Settings
Adjust settings in "User Settings" > "Privacy & Safety".
Control who can send you friend requests and direct messages.
7. Tips and Tricks
Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl + `: Toggle overlay.
Ctrl + Shift + M: Mute/unmute yourself.
Ctrl + Shift + D: Toggle deafen.
Integrations
Connect Spotify, YouTube, Twitch, and other services in "User Settings" >
"Connections".
Display your current activity on your profile.
Using Discord for Different Purposes
Gaming: Join gaming communities and use voice chat for coordination.
Education: Create servers for classes, study groups, and projects.
Work: Set up servers for team collaboration and communication.
8. Troubleshooting and Support
If you encounter issues, check the Discord Help Center for solutions. Common fixes include:
Restarting Discord: Close and reopen the app.
Updating Drivers: Ensure your audio and video drivers are up to date.
Reinstalling: Uninstall and reinstall Discord if problems persist.
By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate Discord's features and create a
thriving online community. Whether you're gaming, studying, or collaborating on projects,
Discord offers the tools you need for effective communication.
