Discord has taken the world by storm as one of the most popular communication platforms for gamers and non-gamers alike. With over 150 million monthly active users, Discord offers a unique experience that combines voice, text, and video chat, all in one place. If you’re new to Discord, it can be overwhelming to navigate the platform and understand its features. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started on Discord.
What is Discord?
Discord is a chat app designed for gamers but has grown to accommodate a diverse community of users, including professionals, students, and hobbyists. Discord offers voice, video, and text chat, as well as screen sharing, file sharing, and the ability to create and join servers.
How to Sign Up for Discord
Signing up for Discord is easy and straightforward. You can either download the Discord app or use it through your web browser. Follow these steps to sign up for Discord:
- Customize your profile by adding a profile picture, description, and status.
- Creating and Joining Servers
- Discord is all about servers, which are communities created by users. Follow these steps to create and join servers:
Creating a Server:
- Click on the “+” button on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Click on “Create Server” and choose a name and region for your server.
- Customize your server by adding channels, roles, and permissions.
Joining a Server:
- Click on the “+” button on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Click on “Join a Server” and enter the invite link provided by the server owner.
- Once you’ve joined a server, you can access it by clicking on its name in the server list.
Navigating Discord
Discord can be overwhelming at first, but it’s easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Here are some tips for navigating Discord:
- The left-hand side of the screen shows your server list. Click on a server name to view its channels and members.
- The center of the screen shows the chat window for the channel you’re currently in. You can switch between channels by clicking on their names in the left-hand server list.
- The right-hand side of the screen shows the list of members in the server. You can click on a member’s name to view their profile or send them a direct message.
- The bottom of the screen shows your input box. You can type your message here and press “Enter” to send it.
Using Discord Features
Discord offers a wide range of features that can enhance your experience.
- Voice Chat: Click on the voice channel you want to join and press the “Connect” button. You can adjust your microphone and headset settings by clicking on the gear icon next to your name.
Text Chat: Type your message in the input box and press “Enter” to send it. You can also use the formatting options at the bottom of the input box to customize your message.
Video Chat: Click on the video channel you want to join and press the “Connect” button. You can adjust your camera and microphone settings by clicking on the gear icon next to your name.
Screen Sharing: Click on the screen share button at the bottom of the screen to share your screen with other members - Emojis and Reactions: You can add emojis to your messages by clicking on the smiley face icon at the bottom of the input box. You can also react to messages by clicking on the reaction emojis next to the message.
File Sharing: Click on the paperclip icon at the bottom of the input box to share files with other members.
Direct Messaging: You can send direct messages to other members by clicking on their name in the member list and selecting “Message.”
Server Settings: Click on the server name in the server list to access the server settings. Here, you can customize your server by adding roles, channels, and permissions.
Etiquette on Discord
Discord is a community-driven platform, and it’s important to follow some basic etiquette to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Here are some tips:
Be respectful: Treat other members with respect and avoid using offensive language or bullying.
Stay on topic: Stick to the topic of the channel you’re in and avoid derailing conversations.
Avoid spamming: Don’t flood the chat with messages or use excessive emojis or reactions.
Don’t share inappropriate content: Avoid sharing content that is offensive or inappropriate, including NSFW content.
Ask for permission: Before sharing files or posting links, ask for permission from the server owner or moderators.
Conclusion
Discord is a powerful communication platform that offers a unique experience for users. Whether you’re a gamer or a professional, Discord has something to offer. By following this guide, you should have a better understanding of how to use Discord and its features. Remember to follow etiquette and be respectful to other members to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
