Good Discord rules are short, specific and easy to scan. Below are ready-to-use templates: a short version that fits any server, a fuller version with consequences, and add-on rules for gaming, support and age-restricted servers. Each is written in Discord markdown, so you can copy it, adjust the wording and paste it straight into your rules channel.
Short rules template
Six rules that suit most servers and fit comfortably in one message.
# Server Rules
**1. Be respectful.** No harassment, hate speech or personal attacks.
**2. No spam.** That includes repeated messages, mass pings and unwanted ads.
**3. Keep content appropriate.** No NSFW or disturbing content outside marked channels.
**4. Protect privacy.** Don't share anyone's personal information.
**5. Use the right channels.** Check channel topics before posting.
**6. Follow Discord's rules.** The Terms of Service and Community Guidelines apply here.
-# Staff have the final say. Open a ticket if you need help.Full rules template
A longer version with clear consequences. It's about 1,000 characters, so it fits in one message with room to add your own.
# Welcome! Please read the rules
## Be kind
**1.** Treat everyone with respect. No harassment, hate speech, slurs or threats.
**2.** No drama or public call-outs. Report problems to staff instead.
## Keep chat clean
**3.** No spam, flooding, excessive caps or mass mentions.
**4.** No advertising or self-promotion without staff permission, including in DMs.
**5.** No NSFW, gore or disturbing content.
**6.** Keep conversations in the right channels.
## Stay safe
**7.** Don't share personal information, yours or anyone else's.
**8.** No scams, malicious links, or account trading.
**9.** Don't impersonate staff or other members.
## Follow the platform rules
**10.** Discord's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines apply at all times.
## If rules are broken
> Warning → Timeout → Ban
Staff may skip steps for serious cases. Staff decisions are final; if you
think one was unfair, open a ticket and we'll review it.
-# By chatting here you agree to these rules.Add-on rules by server type
Gaming servers
- No cheating, hacks or exploits, and no selling them.
- No account sharing, boosting or real-money trading.
- Keep spoilers in ||spoiler tags|| or the spoiler channel.
- Voice chat: no mic spam, soundboard spam or screaming.Support servers
- Search the FAQ before asking.
- One question, one ticket. Don't ping staff or DM them for support.
- Never post passwords, tokens or payment details.
- Be patient. Staff are volunteers and answer as soon as they can.Age-restricted (18+) servers
- You must be 18 or older. Lying about your age means a permanent ban.
- NSFW content only in age-restricted channels.
- No content involving minors, real or fictional. Ever.
- Ask before sending anyone DMs.How to post your rules
Create a read-only channel
Make a #rules channel and deny Send Messages for @everyone so only staff can post.
Check the formatting
Paste your rules into the Discord text formatter to preview headers, bold text and subtext, and into the character counter to confirm they fit.
Post it cleanly
Send it as one message, or as an embed posted through a webhook so it shows your server's name and icon. Webhook vs. bot messages explains the difference.
Tell members where to get help
End with how to reach staff. A ticket panel under the rules works well.
Tips for rules people actually read
- Number them, so staff can say "rule 3" instead of quoting a paragraph.
- One idea per rule.
- Say what to do, not only what's banned. "Report problems to staff" beats "no drama".
- Explain consequences once, at the end.
- Update the date when you change them, with a
-#subtext line.
Post rules with Better Tickets
The Better Tickets message builder lets you lay out rules as an embed with dividers and a banner, send them as a webhook named "Rules", and edit the same message later instead of reposting. You can add a ticket button underneath so members can reach staff from the rules channel.
Frequently asked questions
What rules should a Discord server have?
At minimum: be respectful, no harassment or hate speech, no spam, no NSFW outside marked channels, no doxxing, follow Discord's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines, and listen to staff. Add rules specific to your community after that.
How do I post rules in Discord?
Create a read-only rules channel, paste your rules as one formatted message or an embed, and deny Send Messages for @everyone in that channel. Posting through a webhook lets the message show your server's name and icon.
How long should Discord rules be?
Short enough to read in a minute. Aim for 6 to 10 rules of one or two sentences each. A message can hold 2,000 characters, and an embed description 4,096.
Do I have to include Discord's Terms of Service in my rules?
Everyone on Discord is already bound by its Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. Mentioning them in your rules makes it clear you'll enforce them too.
Where do I say what happens when someone breaks a rule?
Add a short consequences section after the rules, such as warning, timeout, then ban, and note that staff can skip steps for serious cases.