How to Use Headers and Subtext in Discord Markdown

Q: How do I make text bigger on Discord without headers?

Headers (#, ##, ###) are the only way to increase text size on Discord. There is no font size slider or large text mode for individual messages. For bold emphasis, use **text** instead.

Q: Is there a keyboard shortcut for headers on Discord?

No. Unlike bold (Ctrl + B) or italic (Ctrl + I), there is no shortcut for headers. You must type the # symbols manually at the start of each line.

Q: Can I combine bold or italic with a header?

Yes. Use # **bold header** or ## *italic header*. The header size applies to the whole line, and the bold or italic applies to the wrapped text inside it. Headers also work with inline code and other inline formatting.

Q: Why does my subtext line look normal instead of small?

Make sure -# is at the very start of the line with no space before it, and that there is a space between -# and your text. If the line starts with a space or the -# is mid-sentence, it will not render as subtext.

Syntax	Rendered Preview
`# Welcome to the Server`	Welcome to the Server
`## Community Rules`	Community Rules
`### Events This Week`	Events This Week
`-# Last updated: June 2026`	Last updated: June 2026

Headers only work at the start of a line. There is no keyboard shortcut.

Headers and subtext are overlooked formatting options on Discord. Most people think Markdown only works in the middle of sentences, but Discord supports line-start headings that let you structure announcements, guides, and rules posts like a real document. The small text trick using -# is especially useful for disclaimers and captions.

This guide covers how to use headers on Discord and the subtext syntax for both desktop and mobile. For a complete reference of every formatting option, check out The Ultimate Discord Text Formatting Guide.

How to Add Headers in Discord Messages

Discord supports three levels of headers. Each one makes the text larger and bolder, with the smallest header being closest to normal message text size. Headers only work when placed at the very start of a line. Putting them mid-sentence does nothing.

Heading Level 1: `# text`

Type a single # followed by a space at the start of a line, then your text. This creates the largest header, roughly double the normal message font size. Use it for main titles or section breaks in longer messages.

# Welcome to the Server

Will look likeWelcome to the Server

Heading Level 2: `## text`

Two ## followed by a space creates a medium header. Slightly smaller than Level 1 but still noticeably larger than normal text. Good for subsection titles within a post.

## Community Rules

Will look likeCommunity Rules

Heading Level 3: `### text`

Three ### followed by a space creates the smallest header. It is slightly larger and bolder than normal text, useful for labeling individual sections without overpowering the message.

### Events This Week

Will look likeEvents This Week

Tip Header tip: There is no #### (Level 4) or beyond on Discord. Only three header levels are supported. For anything smaller than Level 3, use the subtext syntax instead.

Raw header syntax (left) compared to the rendered output (right)

How to Add Subtext (Small Text) on Discord

Subtext is a relatively recent addition to Discord Markdown. It lets you add a line of smaller, grayed-out text underneath your main content. It is perfect for disclaimers, timestamps, citations, or secondary notes.

Subtext Syntax: `-# text`

Type -# followed by a space at the start of a line, then your text. The entire line renders smaller and lighter than a normal message.

-# Last updated: June 2026

Will look likeLast updated: June 2026

Subtext only works at the beginning of a line, just like headers. You cannot use it inline within a sentence. However, you can combine it with headers by putting a subtext line right after a heading line.

Headers and Subtext on Discord Mobile

Both headers and subtext work the same way on mobile. There is no toolbar button for either, so you type the symbols manually. The # symbol is on the symbols page of any mobile keyboard.

iOS (iPhone / iPad)

1
Start a new line in the message input.
2
Tap 123 then #+= to find the # key.
3
Type #, ##, or ### followed by a space, then your header text. For subtext, type -# followed by a space.
4
Send the message. The header or subtext renders immediately.

Android

1
Start a new line in the chat input.
2
Tap ?123 then =\< to access the # symbol.
3
Type your header or subtext syntax (# text, ## text, ### text, or -# text).
4
The formatting shows in the preview as you type. Send when ready.

Headers vs Subtext: When To Use Each

Level 1 header (#): Use for the main title of a long message, announcement, or pinned post. One per message is usually enough.
Level 2 header (##): Use for major sections within a post, like rule categories or event types.
Level 3 header (###): Use for individual items, bullet-style labels, or short sub-sections.
Subtext (-#): Use for dates, authorship, source citations, disclaimers, or any secondary information that supports the main content.

Real-World Examples of Headers in Action

Headers become most useful when you use them to structure actual content. Here are a few common scenarios where headers make a real difference in readability.

Server Rules Post

# Server Rules
## 1. Be Respectful
Treat other members the way you want to be treated. No harassment, hate speech, or personal attacks.
## 2. No Spam
Keep conversations in their relevant channels. Do not post the same message repeatedly.
## 3. Follow Discord TOS
All Discord Terms of Service apply here. NoNSFW content, no illegal activity.
-# Last updated: June 2026 · Contact a mod with questions

This creates a clean, scannable rules document inside a single Discord message. Each rule category is clearly separated by a Level 2 header, and the subtext line at the bottom provides context without adding visual clutter.

Event Announcement

# Game Night This Friday
-# Posted by Events Team · RSVP in #event-signups
## Schedule
8:00 PM: Voice chat opens
8:30 PM: First game starts
10:00 PM: Break / free chat
## What To Bring
A working mic, a good attitude, and the game we are playing (check pinned post).

The Level 1 header grabs attention for the event name, the subtext credits the organizer, and Level 2 headers split the details into digestible chunks.

Bot Command Guide

# Music Bot Commands
## Playing Music
/play <song name> − Queue a song
/skip − Skip the current track
/stop − Stop playback and clear queue
## Playlist Management
/queue − View the current queue
/shuffle − Shuffle the queue
-# Pro tip: Use /help for a full list of commands

Headers turn a flat list of commands into a structured reference that members can actually scan quickly.

Combining Headers with Bold, Italic, and Lists

Headers work alongside other Markdown formatting inside the same message. The header sets the size and weight of the line, and additional formatting applies within it.

Bold header: # **Important Announcement** makes the text both a Level 1 header and bold.
Italic subtext: -# *Posted by the moderation team* adds italic emphasis to subtext.
Header with a list below: Start a line with ## Rules, then on the next lines type bullet points. The header and list work independently and render correctly.
Headers with inline code: # Using the /verify Command lets code render inside the header without breaking the formatting.

You cannot use headers inside lists or code blocks. Headers must be on their own line at the start of the message or after a line break.

Headers Not Working on Discord? Try These Fixes

Common Issues

You are not putting the header at the start of a line. Discord headers only work when #, ##, or ### is the very first character on a line. Adding spaces before the symbol breaks the formatting.
There is no space after the # symbols. #text without a space does not render as a header. You need # text with a space between the symbols and your text.
You are using more than three # symbols. Discord only supports #, ##, and ###. Four or more #### will not render as a header.
You are inside a code block. Headers and subtext do not render inside code blocks. Everything inside backticks displays literally.
The subtext looks the same as normal text. Subtext (-#) is intentionally subtle. It is smaller and lighter than normal text, but on some themes the difference is minor. Check on the default Dark theme to see the contrast.

Headers and Subtext Discord FAQ

How do I make text bigger on Discord without headers?

Headers (#, ##, ###) are the only way to increase text size on Discord. There is no font size slider or large text mode for individual messages. For bold emphasis, use **text** instead.

Can I use headers and subtext in the same message?

Yes. You can combine headers with subtext on separate lines within the same message. For example, a Level 2 header followed by a subtext line creates a clean title-plus-description layout.

Do Discord headers work on mobile?

Yes. Headers and subtext work identically on mobile. Type the # or -# syntax at the start of a line, just like on desktop. The # symbol is on the symbols keyboard page.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for headers on Discord?

No. Unlike bold (Ctrl + B) or italic (Ctrl + I), there is no shortcut for headers. You must type the # symbols manually at the start of each line.

Can I combine bold or italic with a header?

Yes. Use # **bold header** or ## *italic header*. The header size applies to the whole line, and the bold or italic applies to the wrapped text inside it. Headers also work with inline code and other inline formatting.

Why does my subtext line look normal instead of small?

Make sure -# is at the very start of the line with no space before it, and that there is a space between -# and your text. If the line starts with a space or the -# is mid-sentence, it will not render as subtext.