Discord's emoji rules are short, but they are easy to trip over: one size limit for uploads, a different size in chat, and a separate set of rules for stickers. Here is everything Discord asks for, in one place.
Discord emoji and sticker sizes at a glance
| Asset | Size (px) | Format | Max file size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emoji | up to 128×128, shown at 32×32 | JPEG, PNG, GIF, WEBP | under 256KB |
| Animated emoji | up to 128×128, shown at 32×32 | GIF | under 256KB |
| Sticker | exactly 320×320 | PNG, or APNG if animated | 512KB |
Emojis can be any size up to 128×128, but stickers must be exactly 320×320. To get either one right in a single step, use the Discord Emoji Resizer or the Discord Sticker Maker.
Emoji requirements
- Size: up to 128×128 pixels for the best resolution. Discord resizes every emoji to 32×32.
- File size: smaller than 256KB.
- Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF and WEBP.
- Name: at least 2 characters, using only letters, numbers and underscores.
- Slots: every server can add up to 50 static custom emojis.
Uploading needs the Create Expressions permission, or being the server owner. Upload in Server Settings > Emoji. On desktop and in the browser, Discord is also rolling out Add Emoji in the emoji picker, which opens Emoji Studio.
Animated emoji
Animated emojis are GIFs, and the same naming and size rules apply. Discord says servers with Nitro or Nitro Basic can add 50 animated custom emojis on top of the 50 static ones, for 100 in all.
GIFs reach the 256KB limit far sooner than still images, because every frame adds to the file. If yours is over, the Discord emoji compressor cuts colours, then frames, until it fits, and keeps the loop the same length.
If you stream on Twitch, note that animated Twitch emotes synced into Discord arrive as still images. Upload the animated versions yourself as custom emojis to keep them moving.
Sticker requirements
Stickers are not just big emojis. They have their own rules:
- Size: exactly 320×320 pixels. Discord shows stickers at 160×160 on desktop, so it asks for double that.
- Format: PNG for still stickers, APNG for animated ones. GIF isn't accepted.
- File size: 512KB at most.
- Extras: a matching Unicode emoji for sticker suggestions, and an optional description for people using screen readers.
Have a GIF you want as a sticker? GIF to Discord sticker converts it to a 320×320 APNG.
How emojis look in chat
Most people see your emoji at 32×32 pixels, next to text. Typed on its own in a message, an emoji grows into a bigger wumboji; a message can hold up to 27 of them before they size back down, and Compact mode never shows them.
Design for the small size:
- One idea per emoji. A single face or object reads; a scene doesn't.
- Thick outlines. They keep the shape clear against both light and dark themes.
- No small text. Letters turn to noise at 32 pixels.
- Transparent background. Use PNG, GIF or WEBP; JPEG has no transparency and shows a box around the emoji.
Sources
- How to Add Emojis on Discord — Discord Help
- How to Add Custom Emojis on Discord — Discord Help
- Tips for Sticker Creators FAQ — Discord Help
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a Discord emoji the right size?
Start with a square image, ideally with a transparent background, and export it at 128×128 pixels, the size Discord recommends for the best resolution. Keep the file under 256KB. The Discord Emoji Resizer makes a 128×128 PNG, or a GIF from an animated source, and flags any file over the limit before you upload it in Server Settings > Emoji.
What size should a Discord emoji be?
Upload emojis at up to 128×128 pixels. Discord resizes them to 32×32 for chat, so that's the size most people see. An emoji sent on its own in a message is shown bigger, as a wumboji. Design for 32 pixels: one bold shape, thick outlines and no small text survive the downscale best.
What is the file size limit for Discord emojis?
Every custom emoji must be smaller than 256KB, and the same limit applies to animated ones. Each frame of a GIF adds to the file, so animated emojis reach the limit far sooner than still ones. The Discord emoji compressor shrinks a GIF under 256KB by cutting colours and frames while keeping its timing.
Can Discord emojis be animated?
Yes, as GIFs, with the same naming and size rules as static emojis. Every server has 50 static slots, and servers with Nitro or Nitro Basic get an extra 50 for animated emojis. Animated Twitch emotes that sync into Discord arrive as still images, so upload the animated versions yourself as custom emojis.
How many custom emojis can a Discord server have?
Every server can add up to 50 static custom emojis by default. Discord says servers with Nitro or Nitro Basic can add another 50 animated custom emojis, for 100 in all. Members can use them in that server; with Nitro, they can use a server's emojis everywhere on Discord where emojis work.
What size is a Discord sticker?
Stickers are a separate format with stricter rules: exactly 320×320 pixels, PNG for still stickers or APNG for animated ones, and no bigger than 512KB. Discord shows them at 160×160 on desktop, which is why it asks for double that. The Discord Sticker Maker exports that size and converts GIFs to APNG.
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