How to Make a Discord Server: Create, Set Up, and Invite Members

To make a Discord server, sign in on desktop or in a browser, select Add a Server (+), choose Create My Own or a template, name the server, and select Create. Then add channels, review permissions, and invite people. These steps follow Discord's current desktop and browser workflow; mobile menus may look different.

A server is a shared space organized into text and voice channels. Start with a few rooms for your group, then add more as needed. See Discord's server setup guide for its current creation flow.

Create your Discord server

1. Open Add a Server

Find the plus icon in the vertical server rail at the far left. Select Add a Server. If you have many servers, scroll down the rail; the button may be below the visible icons.

2. Choose a starting point

Select Create My Own for a blank setup, or use a template if its channels suit your group. You can change channel names and settings later.

3. Choose the audience

Select the friends option for a small group, or the club and community option for a wider shared interest. Discord describes Community servers as invite-only too, with additional tools for moderation and welcoming members. Community setup does not automatically make a server public; Discovery has separate eligibility and setup requirements.

4. Add a name and optional icon

Enter a recognizable name, upload an icon if you want one, and select Create. Discord's server creation guide lists 128 by 128 pixels as the icon minimum. You can change the name and icon after setup, so you do not need to finalize the branding first.

Set up channels and permissions

5. Review the server workspace

The new server opens to its channel list and chat area. Initial channels can vary by setup path. Check what is there, then rename or remove anything your group does not need.

6. Add text or voice channels

Select the plus beside a channel category, choose Text or Voice, and enter a short name. Use text channels for topics such as introductions or help; voice channels are for live conversation and can also support video and screen sharing.

7. Keep the channel list easy to scan

Begin with a few useful rooms, such as #announcements, #general, and a topic or help channel. Add categories to group related rooms as your server grows. Discord supports category-level and channel-specific permissions; a short initial list is easier to navigate than many empty channels.

8. Set up roles carefully

Open the server menu, select Server Settings, and choose Roles. The @everyone role sets baseline permissions for all members. Add roles such as Moderator only when useful, and give each role the specific tasks it needs.

9. Restrict Administrator

Administrator grants broad access and bypasses channel restrictions. Reserve it for the owner and people who truly need full control. Moderators can often do their jobs with narrower permissions. Discord explains this in its roles and permissions guide.

10. Add safety tools for a community

For a wider community, open Server Settings, choose Enable Community, and complete the safety setup. Review the rules and moderation options before sharing a long-lasting invite. Community servers can use Rules Screening and AutoMod to filter messages or alert moderators. See Discord's Community setup guide and AutoMod guide.

Invite people

11. Create an invite

Open a channel's menu and select Create Invite. You must own the server or have invite permissions. Starting from a channel can make it the first place a new member sees, as Discord explains in its invite instructions.

12. Set limits and share the link

In the invite panel, open Edit Invite Link to set an expiration and maximum number of uses. The displayed default can depend on that channel's previous settings. Discord offers a no-expiration option for Community servers. For a small or temporary group, use a shorter expiry or use limit. Generate a new link after changing settings, then copy and share it with the people you want to join. You can review or pause invites in Server Settings. See Discord's Invites 101 guide for details.

Common questions

Is a new Discord server public?

No. Servers are invite-only by default. Discord lists separate join options for eligible servers; Community status by itself does not make a server publicly discoverable.

Can I change the name or icon later?

Yes. You can update both after creation, so start with a clear name and focus on the channel layout and permissions first.