How to embed links in discord

Overview

Discord is a popular communication platform used by gamers, communities, and businesses to connect via voice, video, and text. A key feature for sharing information is the ability to embed links. Embedding links allows users to share URLs in a more organized and visually appealing way, often including a preview of the linked content. This makes it easier for users to understand what they are clicking on and enhances the overall user experience on the platform.

How to Embed Links in Discord

Automatic Link Unfurling

The simplest way to share a link on Discord is to paste the URL directly into any text channel or direct message. Discord's client automatically detects URLs and unfurls them, meaning it generates a preview card for the link. This preview typically includes the title of the page, a description, and sometimes an image from the website. This feature works for most public websites and is enabled by default.

Using Markdown for Custom Text

For more control over how a link appears, you can use Discord's supported markdown syntax. This allows you to display a custom text label instead of the raw URL. The markdown format for creating a hyperlink is:

[Link Text](URL)

Replace [Link Text] with the text you want users to see and click on, and replace URL with the actual web address you want to link to. For example, if you wanted to link to the official Discord website with the text 'Visit Discord', you would type:

[Visit Discord](https://discord.com/)

When sent, this will appear as a clickable link with the text 'Visit Discord'. This method does not automatically generate a preview card unless the URL itself is also included or if Discord's unfurling feature kicks in for that specific URL.

Creating Rich Embeds

Rich embeds are more advanced, visually appealing link previews that can include titles, descriptions, images, and custom fields. These are often used by bots or for official server announcements. While users cannot directly create rich embeds through simple text commands in standard channels, server administrators can configure bots to generate them. Some bots have commands like `!embed` or similar, which allow users to input details for a custom embed. These embeds are excellent for sharing news, articles, or product links in a professional manner.

Link Preview Settings

Discord allows users to control whether link previews are displayed. You can manage this setting in your User Settings:

1. Go to User Settings (the gear icon).
2. Navigate to Text & Images.
3. Under the "Link Previews" section, you can toggle "Show embeds and previews for links posted in this channel" on or off. You can also choose to disable it for specific channels if needed.

This setting affects how you see link previews, not how others see them when you post links. Server owners and moderators can also set channel-specific permissions regarding embeds.

Best Practices

When embedding links, it's good practice to use descriptive link text, especially when using markdown. This helps users understand the content before clicking. For automatic unfurls, ensure the URL is correct and accessible. If sharing sensitive information, be mindful of Discord's privacy policies and whether the linked content is public or private.