The quickest way to add a banner

Open Discord and go to the server where you want to add a banner. Click the server name at the top left, then select "Server Settings" from the dropdown menu. On the left sidebar, click "Overview". You'll see a banner area at the top — it may be blank or show Discord's default. Click directly on that banner space and select "Upload Image".

Choose an image file from your computer. Discord accepts JPG, PNG, GIF, and WebP formats. The image should be at least 960 pixels wide and 540 pixels tall to display properly without stretching or blurring. Once you've selected your file, click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the page.

Your new banner will appear when ready to everyone in the server. If you change your mind, you can return to the same spot and click "Remove" to go back to no banner.

Key Takeaways

  • You need "Manage Server" permission to change the banner — usually only server owners and admins have this.
  • The banner image should be at least 960 by 540 pixels, or it will look blurry when Discord stretches it to fit.
  • Discord accepts JPG, PNG, GIF, and WebP files, and the file size cannot exceed 10 MB.
  • The banner appears at the top of your server's main page and is visible to everyone who joins.

What permissions you need

Only people with the "Manage Server" permission can change the server banner. If you're the person who created the server, you have this permission automatically. If you're a regular member, you won't see the "Server Settings" option at all — the dropdown menu straightforward won't show it.

If you think you should have this permission but don't, ask the server owner or an admin to grant it to you. They can do this by going to Server Settings, clicking "Roles", finding your name, and toggling on the "Manage Server" permission for your role.

Image size and format requirements

Discord's banner needs to be at least 960 pixels wide and 540 pixels tall. If your image is smaller, Discord will stretch it, which makes it look pixelated and blurry. If it's larger, Discord will shrink it down, which is fine — the extra pixels just won't show.

The aspect ratio (the width-to-height proportion) should be 16:9 if possible. This matches the space Discord gives the banner. An image that's 1920 by 1080 pixels is ideal because it's sharp on modern screens and fits the 16:9 ratio perfectly.

Discord accepts four file types: JPG, PNG, GIF, and WebP. JPG files are usually the smallest and load fastest. PNG is good if your image has text or sharp edges. GIF works if you want an animated banner, though it will loop continuously. The file cannot be larger than 10 MB.

Where the banner appears and who sees it

The banner shows at the very top of your server's main page — above the server name and description. Anyone who visits your server, whether they're a member or just browsing, will see it. It's one of the first things people notice when they join.

The banner also appears in the server list if someone is looking through public servers or searching for yours. A good banner helps people understand what your server is about at a glance.

Troubleshooting a banner that won't upload

If you click "Upload Image" and nothing happens, first check that your file is in one of the four accepted formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, or WebP. If you're unsure, right-click the file on your computer, select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), and look at the file type listed there.

Next, check the file size. If it's larger than 10 MB, you'll need to compress it. You can use free online tools like TinyPNG or Compressor.io to shrink the file without losing much quality. Upload the compressed version instead.

If the file is the right format and under 10 MB but still won't upload, try refreshing Discord completely. Close the app entirely and reopen it, or reload the web version by pressing Ctrl+R (Windows) or Command+R (Mac). Sometimes Discord's connection gets stuck.

If you still can't upload after refreshing, check that you actually have "Manage Server" permission. Ask the server owner to confirm you have it. If you do and it still won't work, try uploading from a different browser or device — occasionally a single device has a temporary connection issue with Discord's servers.

Changing or removing your banner later

To replace your banner with a different image, go back to Server Settings, click Overview, and click the banner area again. Select "Upload Image" and choose your new file. The old banner will be replaced when ready.

To remove the banner entirely and go back to blank, click the banner area and select "Remove". The space will return to Discord's default gray background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an animated GIF as my server banner?

Yes. Discord supports animated GIFs as banners, and they will loop continuously. Keep the file under 10 MB and make sure it's at least 960 by 540 pixels. Animated GIFs are larger files than static images, so compression tools can help if yours is too big.

What happens if my image is smaller than 960 by 540 pixels?

Discord will stretch it to fit the banner space, which makes it look blurry and pixelated. Always check your image dimensions before uploading. If you need to enlarge an image, use a free tool like Upscayl, though the result won't be as sharp as starting with a larger original.

Do I need to be the server owner to change the banner?

No. Anyone with "Manage Server" permission can change it. The server owner can grant this permission to admins or trusted members through the Roles settings. You don't need to own the server, just have the right permission.

Can members see who changed the banner or when it was changed?

Regular members cannot see this information. Only people with access to the server's audit log (usually admins and the owner) can see who made changes and when. The audit log is in Server Settings under "Audit Log".

What's the difference between a server banner and a server icon?

The server icon is the small square image that appears next to your server name in the sidebar and in the server list. The banner is the large horizontal image at the top of the server's main page. You can change both separately in Server Settings.