Discord lets you add custom emojis to your server, and members can use them anywhere in that server

When you add an emoji to a Discord server, you are uploading an image file that becomes a custom emoji. Members of that server can then type the emoji's name in a colon format — like :custom_name: — and the image appears in chat. This works in messages, reactions, and channel names. The emoji only exists in that one server; it will not show up in other Discord servers or apps.

You need to be a server owner or have the "Manage Emojis and Stickers" permission to add them. Discord servers have limits based on their boost level: a standard server can hold 50 custom emojis, a server with one boost can hold 100, and servers with higher boosts can hold up to 250.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom emojis are image files you upload to your server, and only members of that server can use them.
  • You need server owner status or the "Manage Emojis and Stickers" permission to upload emojis.
  • Image files must be under 256 KB and in PNG, JPG, GIF, or WebP format.
  • Once uploaded, members type the emoji name in colons (like :emoji_name:) to use it in messages and reactions.
  • Animated emojis use the same process but require an animated image file format like animated GIF or APNG.

How to upload a custom emoji to your server

Open Discord and go to your server. Click the server name at the top left to open the dropdown menu, then select "Server Settings." In the left sidebar, click "Emoji" (it may appear under "Moderation" depending on your Discord version).

Click the "Upload Emoji" button. A file browser opens. Select your image file — it must be PNG, JPG, GIF, or WebP format and smaller than 256 KB. Discord will show you a preview of how the emoji will look. Type a name for the emoji in the text field. Use lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only; spaces and special characters will not work. Click "Upload" to save it to your server.

The emoji is now live. Members can find it by typing a colon and the first letter of the name (like :c for :cat:) and selecting it from the autocomplete menu, or by typing the full name in colons.

What image files work and how to prepare them

Discord accepts PNG, JPG, GIF, and WebP files. PNG and WebP are the clearest for small images because they handle transparency well — if your emoji has a transparent background, it will show as transparent in Discord. JPG files work but may show a white or colored background behind your emoji. GIF files work for static emojis, but if you want an animated emoji, the GIF must be animated.

Your file must be under 256 KB. Most emoji-sized images are much smaller than this, but if you have a large or high-resolution file, you may need to compress it. Free tools like TinyPNG or Squoosh let you upload an image and read a smaller version. Aim for an image that is roughly 128 by 128 pixels or smaller — Discord will resize it anyway, so larger files just waste space.

If you are creating an emoji from scratch, design it at 128 by 128 pixels or larger. Use a tool like Photoshop, GIMP (free), or even Canva. Save it as PNG if you want a transparent background, or JPG if you want a solid background.

How to use animated emojis

Animated emojis work the same way as static ones, but the image file must be animated. Discord supports animated GIF and APNG (Animated PNG) formats. You can create an animated GIF in Photoshop, GIMP, or free online tools like ezgif.com.

When you upload an animated emoji, Discord shows a preview of the animation. The file size limit is still 256 KB, so animated files are often larger than static ones. If your animated emoji is too large, compress it in ezgif or a similar tool before uploading.

Members use animated emojis the same way as static ones — by typing the name in colons. The animation plays when the emoji appears in chat and when used as a reaction.

Managing and deleting emojis from your server

To see all emojis in your server, go to Server Settings > Emoji. The list shows every custom emoji, who uploaded it, and when. You can click on any emoji to see its full name and details.

To delete an emoji, click it in the list and select the trash icon. The emoji is removed when ready and members can no longer use it. Deleted emojis disappear from all past messages and reactions where they were used — they show as a broken image or the text name instead.

To rename an emoji after uploading, you cannot edit the name directly. You must delete the old emoji and upload the image again with a new name.

Troubleshooting common emoji problems

If your emoji upload fails, check the file size first — it must be under 256 KB. If the file is too large, compress it using TinyPNG or Squoosh. Next, check the file format: Discord only accepts PNG, JPG, GIF, or WebP. If you have a different format like SVG or TIFF, convert it using an online tool like CloudConvert.

If the emoji name is rejected, make sure it uses only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, and special characters like @ or # will not work. If you see a message that your server has reached its emoji limit, you have hit the cap for your server's boost level. You must delete an existing emoji before adding a new one, or the server owner can boost the server to increase the limit.

If members cannot see the emoji after you upload it, they may need to refresh Discord. Have them close and reopen the app, or press Ctrl+R (Windows) or Cmd+R (Mac) to refresh the browser version. If the emoji still does not appear, check that those members have permission to view the channel where you tested it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use emojis from other servers in my server?

No. Custom emojis only work in the server where they were uploaded. If you want the same emoji in another server, you must upload it again there. You can read an emoji from another server by right-clicking it and selecting "Copy Link," then opening that link in a browser to save the image file, then uploading it to your own server.

What happens to emojis if I delete the server?

All custom emojis are deleted when the server is deleted. They cannot be recovered. If you want to keep them, read the emoji files before deleting the server by right-clicking each emoji, copying the link, and saving the image.

Can I use emojis in channel names?

Yes. When editing a channel name, type the emoji name in colons (like :cat:) and it will appear in the channel name. This works for both custom and standard Discord emojis.

Do animated emojis cost more server boosts?

No. Animated and static emojis count the same toward your server's emoji limit. A server with one boost can hold 100 emojis whether they are all static, all animated, or a mix.

Can members upload their own emojis to the server?

Only if they have the "Manage Emojis and Stickers" permission. By default, only server owners and admins have this permission. You can grant it to other members by going to Server Settings > Roles, selecting a role, and toggling on "Manage Emojis and Stickers."