How to Strikethrough Text on Discord (Cross Out Text)

Q: How do you strikethrough on Discord without tildes?

Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows) or ⌘ + Shift + X (Mac). On mobile, select the text and tap the strikethrough icon in the formatting toolbar.

Q: What key makes the tilde symbol on a keyboard?

On US keyboards, the tilde (~) shares a key with the backtick (`) next to the number 1 key. On UK keyboards, it is next to the Enter key. Hold Shift and press that key to type a tilde.

Q: Can I use strikethrough with bold or italic?

Yes. Use ~~**bold strikethrough**~~ for bold crossed out text, or ~~*italic strikethrough*~~. Nesting works as long as the symbols do not overlap. For more combinations, see our full formatting guide.

Q: Why do people use strikethrough instead of editing messages?

Strikethrough preserves the original text for context. If you edit a message, the old version disappears. Strikethrough lets readers see both versions at once, which is useful for jokes, corrections, and transparent updates.

Q: Does strikethrough work on Discord mobile without tildes on the keyboard?

Yes. Use the formatting toolbar by selecting the text and tapping the strikethrough icon. If your keyboard app hides the toolbar, copy and paste ~~ from another message, or use a keyboard app that supports easy symbol input.

Q: Can I strikethrough text in a Discord post or announcement?

Yes. Strikethrough works in any chat message, including announcements, embedded posts, and thread replies. It does not work in channel names, server descriptions, or nicknames.

Quick Syntax ~~your text here~~

Wrap text between two tildes on each side to cross it out on Discord.

Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + X or ⌘ + Shift + X

Strikethrough is Discord's most personality-driven formatting trick. People use it to show self-correction mid-sentence, make obvious jokes land harder, or indicate that something is no longer valid. Unlike bold or italics, strikethrough has a built-in comedic timing that makes chat feel more human.

This guide covers how to strikethrough on Discord on desktop and mobile, the keyboard shortcut, and some creative ways people actually use crossed-out text in conversation. For a complete reference of every formatting option, check out The Ultimate Discord Text Formatting Guide.

How to Cross Out Text on Discord Desktop

Three ways to strikethrough on the desktop app and web client.

Option 1: Keyboard Shortcut (`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `X`)

Select the text you want to cross out, then press Ctrl + Shift + X on Windows / Linux, or ⌘ + Shift + X on Mac. Discord wraps it in ~~ automatically. Note that this shortcut uses three keys instead of two, so it takes a bit more coordination than bold or italic shortcuts.

Option 2: Type the Markdown Manually

Add two tilde characters before and after the text with no spaces: ~~this will be crossed out~~. The tilde key is usually next to the number 1 key on US keyboards (above Tab). On UK keyboards, it is next to Enter. For example, ~~Discordify~~ is the best directory sends as ~~Discordify~~ is the best directory. The tilde key is sometimes labeled with a grave accent (`) as well.

Option 3: Use the Text Toolbar

When you select text in the message input, Discord shows a formatting toolbar. Click the S icon (strikethrough, shown as a crossed-out letter) and Discord adds the ~~ markdown for you. This is the easiest option if you forget the shortcut.

Strikethrough using the toolbar and manual markdown

How to Strikethrough on Discord Mobile

Mobile does not have a dedicated strikethrough shortcut, but the formatting toolbar and manual method both work.

iOS (iPhone / iPad)

1
Type your message, then select the word or phrase you want to cross out.
2
Tap the formatting toolbar icon (usually an A or paintbrush icon) above the keyboard.
3
Tap the strikethrough option (shown as S with a line through it).
4
Send the message. Discord wraps it in ~~ automatically.

Android

1
Select the text you want to strikethrough in the message input.
2
Look for the formatting toolbar above your keyboard and tap the strikethrough icon.
3
If no toolbar appears, manually type ~~text~~ around your words.

Tip Finding the tilde on mobile: The ~ symbol is usually on the symbols page of your mobile keyboard. On iOS, tap 123 then #+= to find it. On Android, tap ?123 then the =\< key.

Why Do People Use Strikethrough on Discord?

Strikethrough is not just for corrections. It has become a staple of Discord humor and conversational tone.

Self-correction: "We meet at 8 ~~or maybe 9~~ let me check." Shows you are adjusting without deleting the original message.
Comedic timing: "I am definitely ~~not~~ excited about this." The contradiction creates a joke that plain text cannot pull off.
Status changes: "~~Looking for members~~ Server is now full." A quick visual update without rewriting the whole message.
Sarcasm markers: "That was ~~helpful~~." Lets people read both the literal and intended meaning at once.

Unlike bold or italics, strikethrough carries emotional subtext. Using it well can make your messages feel more natural and conversational.

How to Strikethrough Only Part of a Word

Yes, you can strikethrough part of a word. Wrap the section you want crossed out in ~~ markers and leave the rest outside.

~~Disc~~ordify sends as ~~Disc~~ordify (only the first part is crossed out).
Dis~~cord~~ify sends as Dis~~cord~~ify (only the middle is crossed out).

This is useful for wordplay where you reveal a different word by crossing out part of it. For example: "I love ~~hate~~ this feature."

Strikethrough Not Working on Discord? Try These Fixes

Common Issues

You are using the wrong symbol. Strikethrough requires two tildes (~~). Using two dashes (--text--) or two hyphens does nothing. Make sure you are pressing the tilde key, not the minus key.
You are inside a code block. Text in `inline code` or ```code blocks``` displays literally and will not render strikethrough.
The shortcut did not register. Ctrl + Shift + X requires pressing all three keys simultaneously. If only two of them register, nothing happens. Try typing ~~text~~ manually as a fallback.
The toolbar is missing on your build. Some older Discord versions or web clients do not show the formatting toolbar. Manual markdown always works regardless of version.
The strikethrough is invisible on certain themes. Some custom Discord themes or low-contrast settings make strikethrough lines hard to see. Switch back to the default Dark or Light theme to verify.

Strikethrough Text Discord FAQ

How do you strikethrough on Discord without tildes?

Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows) or ⌘ + Shift + X (Mac). On mobile, select the text and tap the strikethrough icon in the formatting toolbar.

What key makes the tilde symbol on a keyboard?

On US keyboards, the tilde (~) shares a key with the backtick (`) next to the number 1 key. On UK keyboards, it is next to the Enter key. Hold Shift and press that key to type a tilde.

Can I use strikethrough with bold or italic?

Yes. Use ~~**bold strikethrough**~~ for bold crossed out text, or ~~*italic strikethrough*~~. Nesting works as long as the symbols do not overlap. For more combinations, see our full formatting guide.

Why do people use strikethrough instead of editing messages?

Strikethrough preserves the original text for context. If you edit a message, the old version disappears. Strikethrough lets readers see both versions at once, which is useful for jokes, corrections, and transparent updates.

Does strikethrough work on Discord mobile without tildes on the keyboard?

Yes. Use the formatting toolbar by selecting the text and tapping the strikethrough icon. If your keyboard app hides the toolbar, copy and paste ~~ from another message, or use a keyboard app that supports easy symbol input.

Can I strikethrough text in a Discord post or announcement?

Yes. Strikethrough works in any chat message, including announcements, embedded posts, and thread replies. It does not work in channel names, server descriptions, or nicknames.