__your text here__Wrap any text between two underscores on each side to underline it on Discord.
Underlining text on Discord is less commonly used than bold or italics, but it is essential for certain types of emphasis. Whether you want to highlight a document title, mark a correction, or follow a specific formatting style, knowing how to underline on Discord is a handy skill.
This guide covers underline on desktop and mobile, including the keyboard shortcut, manual markdown, and what to do when underlining is not working. For a complete reference of every formatting option, check out The Ultimate Discord Text Formatting Guide.
How to Underline Text on Discord (PC Desktop)
On the desktop app and web client, you have three ways to underline text. Pick whichever fits your workflow.
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Ctrl + U)
Type or select the text you want to underline, then press Ctrl + U on Windows / Linux, or ⌘ + U on Mac. Discord wraps it in __ automatically. This works in any text channel, DM, or group chat.
Method 2: Type the Markdown Manually
If you prefer typing the syntax yourself, add two underscores before and after the text with no spaces: __this will be underlined__. Discord renders it in real time, so you can see the underline appear before you send. For example, __Discordify__ is the best server directory sends as Discordify is the best server directory.
Method 3: Use the Text Toolbar
Discord's desktop client shows a small formatting toolbar when you start selecting text. Click the U icon in that toolbar and Discord wraps the selection in underline markdown automatically. If you do not see the toolbar, use the keyboard shortcut or manual syntax instead.
Underlining using the toolbar (Method 3) and manual markdown (Method 2)
How to Underline Text on Discord Mobile (iOS & Android)
Underlining on mobile requires using the formatting toolbar or typing the syntax manually since there is no physical keyboard shortcut.
iOS (iPhone / iPad)
- 1
Type your message in the chat input.
- 2
Select the word or phrase you want to underline by tapping and dragging the selection handles.
- 3
Tap the U icon in the formatting bar that appears above the selection.
- 4
Send the message. Discord wraps it in
__automatically.
Android
- 1
Tap the message input to open your keyboard.
- 2
Long-press or select the text you want to format.
- 3
Look for the formatting toolbar above the keyboard and tap the U icon.
- 4
If no toolbar appears, manually type
__text__around your words.
How to Underline Only Part of a Word on Discord
You can underline only part of a word on Discord. Just wrap the section you want underlined in __ markers and leave the rest of the word outside them. For example:
__Disc__ordifysends as Discordify (only the first four letters are underlined).Dis__cord__ifysends as Discordify (only the middle part is underlined).__Discordify__ is greatsends as Discordify is great (the whole word is underlined).
What Is the Difference Between Underline and Bold on Discord?
This is a common point of confusion because both can look similar in quick reading.
- Underline uses
__text__(two underscores). It adds a line beneath the text. Useful for document titles, corrections, or APA-style formatting. - Bold uses
**text**(two asterisks). It makes the text heavier and darker. Better for strong emphasis and headings.
If you accidentally use underscores when you meant bold, the text will underline instead. Remember: ** for bold, __ for underline.
Underline Not Working on Discord? Try These Fixes
Common Issues
- You are using single underscores instead of double. Discord underline requires two underscores on each side (
__text__). A single underscore (_text_) creates italics, not underline. - You are using asterisks instead of underscores. Asterisks (
**text**) create bold formatting on Discord, not underline. Use underscores for underlining. - You are in a code block. Text inside
`inline code`or```code blocks```is displayed literally and will not render underline formatting. - The toolbar is missing. Some Discord builds do not show the formatting toolbar. Use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + U) or type the markdown manually instead.
- The shortcut is not responding. If Ctrl + U does nothing, type the markdown manually (
__text__). It always works.
Underline Text Discord FAQ
How do I underline text on Discord without underscores?
Does Discord underline work with asterisks?
**text**) create bold formatting. Underline requires two underscores on each side: __text__.Can I combine underline with bold or italic?
__**bold underline**__ for bold + underline, or __*italic underline*__ for italic + underline. For more combinations, see our full formatting guide.How do I underline on Discord mobile without a keyboard shortcut?
__text__ manually around your words.