Discord Keyboard Shortcuts
35+ Discord shortcuts for chat, voice, server navigation, and formatting. Mac and Windows reference.
Navigation
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Quick Switcher (search channels/DMs) | |
| Navigate between channels | |
| Navigate unread channels | |
| Next server | |
| Previous server | |
| Switch to server 1-9 | |
| Go to Home | |
| Upload file |
Chat
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Send message | |
| New line in message | |
| Edit last message | |
| Toggle emoji picker | |
| Toggle sticker picker | |
| Toggle pinned messages | |
| Toggle mentions | |
| Show keyboard shortcuts |
Formatting
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Bold text | |
| Italic text | |
| Underline text | |
| Strikethrough text | |
| Spoiler text | |
| Numbered list | |
| Bulleted list |
Voice
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle deafen | |
| Toggle mute | |
| Toggle push to talk | |
| Toggle noise suppression | |
| Toggle video | |
| Toggle screen share |
Search
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Search current channel | |
| Search server |
General
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open User Settings | |
| Mark channel as read | |
| Mark server as read | |
| Open inbox | |
| Toggle thread panel |
Pro tips
Quick Switcher Is Essential
Ctrl+K opens the Quick Switcher - search for any channel, DM, or server instantly. Type @username for DMs, #channel for channels. Fastest way to navigate Discord.
Slash Commands
Type / in the message box to see available slash commands. Built-in commands and bot commands appear. /giphy, /tts, /nick, and /shrug are popular built-in options.
Custom Keybinds
Set up custom keybinds in User Settings → Keybinds for push-to-talk, mute, deafen, and more. These are global hotkeys - they work even when Discord isn't focused.
Server Folders
Drag servers on top of each other to create folders. Organize by community type, game, or priority. Right-click folders to mark all contained servers as read.
Markdown Formatting
Discord supports Markdown: **bold**, *italic*, __underline__, ~~strikethrough~~, `code`, ```code blocks```. Combine them for rich formatting. Use > for block quotes and # for headers.
Thread Everything
Use threads to keep conversations organized. Right-click a message → Create Thread. Threads keep side discussions contained without cluttering the main channel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Discord free?
Yes, Discord is free with full messaging, voice, video, and streaming features. Nitro ($9.99/month) adds larger file uploads (500MB), HD streaming, custom emojis everywhere, server boosts, and profile customization.
What's the difference between Nitro and Nitro Basic?
Nitro Basic ($2.99/month) offers custom emojis everywhere, 50MB uploads, and custom stickers. Full Nitro ($9.99/month) adds 500MB uploads, HD streaming (4K/60fps), 2 server boosts, and custom profiles.
Can Discord be used for business?
Discord is increasingly used for community management, customer support, and team communication. It lacks enterprise features like SSO, compliance tools, and admin controls that Slack and Teams offer.
How do I reduce Discord CPU usage?
Disable hardware acceleration in Settings → Advanced. Reduce streaming quality. Disable animated emojis and stickers (Settings → Accessibility). Close unused servers and limit notifications.
Can I recover deleted messages?
No, deleted messages are permanently removed. Discord doesn't offer message recovery. Use bots with logging features to keep records of important channels.
What's the maximum server size?
Standard servers support up to 500,000 members. Community servers can apply for higher limits. Voice channels support up to 99 users (or more for Stage Channels). Message history is unlimited.
Want to master Discord?
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