How to Create Bulleted and Numbered Lists on Discord

Q: What is the difference between dashes and asterisks for Discord lists?

None. Both - and * produce the same bullet point appearance. Dashes are usually easier to type because they do not require the Shift key.

Q: How do I make a sub-list or nested list on Discord?

Indent the sub-item with two spaces for bullets ( - sub-item) or four spaces for numbers ( 1. sub-item). Discord recognizes the indentation and creates a nested list.

Type	Syntax	Rendered
Bullet	`- item` or `* item`	• item
Numbered	`1. item`	1. item
Nested 1 level	`- sub-item`	• sub-item
Nested 2 levels	`- sub-sub-item`	• sub-sub-item
Nested numbered	`1. sub-item`	1. sub-item

Use a dash, asterisk, or number followed by a space at the start of a line. Indent with spaces to nest.

Lists are one of the most practical Markdown features on Discord. Whether you are writing rules, posting a step-by-step guide, or organizing event details, lists keep your message readable instead of turning into a wall of text. Discord supports both bulleted and numbered lists, plus nesting for sub-items.

This guide covers how to make a list on Discord for both types, how to nest them, and common formatting pitfalls. For a complete reference of every formatting option, check out The Ultimate Discord Text Formatting Guide.

How to Make a Bulleted List on Discord

Bulleted lists are the most common type. Use them whenever the order of items does not matter.

Using a Dash (`-`)

Type a dash followed by a space at the start of a line, then your text. Each new dash creates a new bullet point.

- First item
- Second item
- Third item

Will look like• First item
• Second item
• Third item

Using an Asterisk (`*`)

An asterisk followed by a space works identically to a dash. Both produce the same bullet point appearance.

* Item one
* Item two

There is no functional difference between dashes and asterisks. Pick whichever is easier to type. Most people use dashes because they are on the main keyboard row without needing Shift.

Tip List spacing: Leave a blank line before and after your list to separate it from normal text. Without the blank line, Discord may not recognize the list formatting.

How to Make a Numbered List on Discord

Numbered lists are for instructions, ranked items, or any content where the sequence matters.

Basic Numbered List

Type a number, a period, and a space at the start of a line. Discord handles the numbering automatically.

1. Step one
2. Step two
3. Step three

Will look like1. Step one
2. Step two
3. Step three

Automatic Numbering

You do not need to type the correct numbers. Discord auto-numbers each line regardless of what number you actually type. For example, you can type 1. on every line and Discord still shows 1, 2, 3 in order. This is useful if you rearrange items often.

1. Wake up
1. Eat breakfast
1. Go to work

Discord renders this as 1. Wake up, 2. Eat breakfast, 3. Go to work, even though every line starts with 1..

How to Nest Lists on Discord (Multiple Levels)

Nesting creates sub-items under a main list item. The rule is simple: every 2 spaces before the dash, asterisk, or number pushes the item one level deeper.

0 spaces = Level 1 (top-level item)
2 spaces = Level 2 (first sub-item)
4 spaces = Level 3 (sub-sub-item)
6 spaces = Level 4, and so on

Discord supports up to about 3 or 4 visible levels before the indentation gets clipped. Keep it to 2 or 3 levels for the cleanest result.

Raw list syntax (left) compared to the rendered output (right). Notice each nesting level adds 2 spaces.

Three-Level Bulleted Nesting

- Level 1: Main topic
  - Level 2: Sub-category
    - Level 3: Specific detail
  - Level 2: Another sub-category
- Level 1: Another main topic

Will look like• Level 1: Main topic
• Level 2: Sub-category
• Level 3: Specific detail
• Level 2: Another sub-category
• Level 1: Another main topic

Notice how Level 2 is indented by 2 spaces, and Level 3 by 4 spaces. Each level uses 2 more spaces than the previous one. The rendered preview above simulates how Discord displays each nesting depth.

Mixed Bullet and Numbered Nesting

You can also switch between bullet and numbered markers at different levels.

- Shopping list
  - Fruits
    1. Apples
    2. Bananas
  - Dairy
    1. Milk
    2. Cheese

This creates a bullet list with numbered sub-items under each category. The indentation rule stays the same: 2 spaces for Level 2, 4 spaces for Level 3, regardless of whether you use a dash or a number.

Numbered Nested Lists

The same 2-space rule applies to numbered lists. Use 2 spaces for the first sub-level, 4 spaces for the second, and so on.

1. Setup
  1. Download the app
  2. Create an account
    1. Choose a username
    2. Verify your email
2. Configure

Will look like1. Setup
1. Download the app
2. Create an account
1. Choose a username
2. Verify your email
2. Configure

Lists on Discord Mobile

Lists work the same way on mobile, but typing dashes and numbers requires switching to the symbols keyboard.

iOS (iPhone / iPad)

1
Type a dash (-) or asterisk (*) from the symbols page, then a space.
2
Type your item text and press Return for the next line.
3
The next line auto-indents. Type another - or 1. to continue the list.
4
To nest, add extra spaces before the dash or number on the indented line.

Android

1
Tap the symbols key to access - or *, or use the number row for digits.
2
Type your list marker followed by a space, then your item text.
3
Press Enter and repeat. Discord keeps the list going on each new line.
4
Use the space bar twice before the marker for nested sub-items (two spaces for bullets, four for numbers).

Lists Not Working on Discord? Try These Fixes

Common Issues

You forgot the space after the marker. -item or 1.item without a space does not create a list. There must be a space between the dash or number and the text.
There is no blank line before the list. Discord sometimes fails to recognize a list if it immediately follows text without a blank line in between. Add an empty line before the first list item.
You are inside a code block. Lists do not render inside code blocks. Everything inside backticks displays literally, including dashes and numbers.
The nesting indentation is inconsistent. Every 2 spaces creates one nesting level. If you use 3 spaces on one line and 2 on another, the indentation breaks. Stick to exact multiples of 2 spaces (2, 4, 6) for reliable nesting.
Your list is inside a header or subtext line. Headers and subtext must be on their own line. You cannot start a line with # or -# and then continue with a list on the same line.

Discord Lists FAQ

What is the difference between dashes and asterisks for Discord lists?

None. Both - and * produce the same bullet point appearance. Dashes are usually easier to type because they do not require the Shift key.

How do I make a sub-list or nested list on Discord?

Indent the sub-item with two spaces for bullets ( - sub-item) or four spaces for numbers ( 1. sub-item). Discord recognizes the indentation and creates a nested list.

Can I mix bullet points and numbered lists in the same message?

Yes. You can switch between bullet and numbered items on different lines within the same message. Each marker is evaluated independently per line.

Do Discord lists work on mobile?

Yes. Type a dash, asterisk, or number followed by a space at the start of a line. Use the symbols keyboard to find - and * if they are not on the main layout.

How do I add a blank line inside a list without breaking it?

Type two spaces at the end of a list item and press Enter. The blank line stays inside the list. Without the two spaces, Discord may interpret the empty line as the end of the list.

Why is my numbered list showing 1, 1, 1 instead of 1, 2, 3?

Discord auto-numbers each line in order regardless of what number you type. If you see 1, 1, 1, there is likely a blank line or inconsistent formatting breaking the sequence. Remove any extra spaces or blank lines between items.