Discord Server Rules Template: What to Include and How to Write It

Good rules do not make a server boring. They make it safe, which is why people stay. A short, clear set of rules also saves you from long arguments later, because everybody knew what to expect.

This guide gives you a Discord server rules template you can copy, explains what each rule is for, and shows how to write and enforce rules so that members actually follow them.

Why rules matter

A Discord server without rules is open to spam, harassment and scams, and good members leave first. Rules do three jobs:

• They set the tone. New members see what kind of place this is.
• They give moderators something to point to. Decisions feel fair, not personal.
• They protect you. If something goes wrong, you can show what members agreed to.

A rules template you can copy

Edit this to fit your community. Replace the examples in brackets.

1. Be kind and respectful. No harassment, bullying, hate speech or personal attacks. Disagree with ideas, not with people.
2. Keep it safe for work. No adult content, graphic violence or anything illegal. This is a [age range] community.
3. No spam. This includes repeated messages, unwanted DMs, mass mentions and unrelated links.
4. No advertising without permission. Do not post invites or promotions in chat or in DMs. Ask a moderator first, or use the [advertising channel].
5. Use the right channels. Keep topics in the channel where they belong. Off-topic chat goes in [off-topic].
6. No cheating, scams or sharing of private information. Do not post anyone's personal details. Never share your password.
7. Follow the Discord Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. This includes the minimum age to use Discord.
8. Listen to the moderators. If you disagree with a decision, message a moderator in private. Do not argue in chat.

That is eight rules. Many good servers have fewer.

What each rule is for

Respect covers most behaviour problems in one sentence. It is better to have one strong, clear rule than many tiny ones.

Safe-for-work and age is important if your members may be young. Discord requires users to meet a minimum age, and you cannot make that safer than your own rules do. Decide what is allowed and say it.

Spam and advertising are what most servers fight every day. Spell out DM advertising separately, because it is the most common problem for new members.

Channels keep the server usable. When people post everywhere, nothing is easy to find.

Privacy and scams protect your members. Scam links and "free Nitro" messages are common, so remind people to be careful.

Decisions give moderators authority and give members a calm way to disagree.

How to write rules people read

• Keep the list short. Aim for five to ten rules. Every extra rule reduces the chance that members read the rest.
• Use plain words. "Do not be a jerk" is clear, but "Do not harass or insult others" is easier to enforce.
• Say what to do, not only what not to do. "Ask a moderator before advertising" is better than "No advertising".
• Put the rules where members will see them. Use a rules channel and, if you can, Discord's onboarding or a rules screen so new members must accept them first.
• Explain the why in one sentence for the rules members might question.
• Keep it up to date. When something new happens, add a rule. When a rule never matters, remove it.

How to enforce rules fairly

Rules only work if they are applied the same way every time.

1. Have a few clear steps. For example: a warning, a timeout, a kick and then a ban. Skip steps for serious problems like threats or scams.
2. Write down what you did. A private moderator channel with notes helps the team stay consistent.
3. Be calm and brief. Explain which rule was broken. Do not argue in public.
4. Treat everyone the same. Friends and regulars follow the same rules. Fair moderation is one of the best ways to grow a server, because members tell others where they feel safe.
5. Give people a way to appeal. A DM to a moderator is enough.

Use Discord's safety tools too: verification levels, automatic filters for spam and bad links, and slow mode in busy channels.

Rules for game and community servers

If your server is for a game, add a few specific rules:

• No cheating or exploits in games you discuss or run.
• No account trading or selling, if it is not allowed in the game.
• Spoiler tags for story content.
• Use the right language or channel if your community speaks several languages.
• Trade and market rules, if members buy and sell from each other. Make it clear that the server is not responsible for trades.

After the rules: grow your community

Rules make your server safe, and safety makes growth easier. When you are ready for more members, read our guide to how to grow a Discord server, and list your Discord server on TopRealms for free. A good listing with a clear description and a "friendly, moderated" community will attract the kind of members you want.

Frequently asked questions

How many rules should a Discord server have?

Between five and ten. Short lists get read and followed. Very long lists get skipped.

Where should I put the server rules?

In a rules channel at the top of the channel list, and in the onboarding or rules screen that new members see first. Pin the key rules in busy channels too.

Do I need a different set of rules for each channel?

Only when a channel has special needs, such as a trade channel or an adults-only channel. Keep general rules for the whole server and add a short note in the channel topic for the rest.

What should I do if someone breaks the rules?

Start with a clear warning for small problems, and move to a timeout or a ban for repeat or serious problems. Always say which rule was broken.

Can I copy another server's rules?

You can use them as a starting point, but change them to fit your community. Your members, topic and age range are different.