3 min read
By Mike
Discord Hyperlink Generator: Make Clickable Masked Links
A Discord hyperlink is a masked link: readable words that open an address when clicked. The format is [text](https://example.com). This generator builds it for you, checks that the address is valid, escapes characters that break it, and can hide the link preview.
Preview:
How to use it
- Write the link text. This is what people will read, such as "Read the rules".
- Paste the address. It must start with https:// or http://. The tool tells you if it does not parse.
- Optional: hide the preview. The tool wraps the address in angle brackets, which stops Discord from adding a big preview card under the message.
- Copy and paste into a message.
How the format works
A masked link has two parts. Square brackets hold the visible text. Round brackets directly after them hold the address. There must be no space between the two. If the brackets are separated, Discord shows plain text.
| You type | People see |
|---|---|
[Rules](https://example.com/rules) | A clickable word, Rules |
[Rules](<https://example.com/rules>) | The same link with no preview card |
What the tool fixes for you
- Brackets in the text. A closing square bracket in your words would end the label early, so the tool puts a backslash in front of it.
- Brackets and spaces in the address. Round brackets and spaces would end the address too soon. They are written in percent-encoded form, which still opens the same page.
- Protocol checks. Only http and https addresses become links. Anything else is rejected.
Where masked links work
Masked links render in normal chat messages, in embed descriptions and field values, and in webhook and bot messages. They do not render in nicknames, usernames, channel names, embed titles in some cases, or in text that is not markdown. Discord may also warn people before they open a masked link, and it can refuse one whose label is a different web address, so use plain words as the label.
Be honest with your members. A masked link can hide where it goes, so only link to places you would be happy to show in full. Pointing readers to a different site than the label suggests is how phishing works, and Discord may flag it.
Good uses
- Rules and FAQ pointers in a pinned message.
- Giveaway terms or entry pages in an announcement.
- Linking a store or product page from a custom message. Noxyr's embed builder docs cover embeds in detail.
Server owners who post the same links often can save them as a template with the announcement generator or build a styled message in the embed builder. If a link in your message misbehaves, the markdown escaper and markdown previewer help you debug it.
Related tools
Make the visible text smaller with the small text generator, or hide a message with the spoiler text generator.
Common questions
How do I make a clickable word link in Discord?
Write the word in square brackets followed by the address in round brackets with no space, like [word](https://example.com). Paste it into a message.
How do I stop Discord from showing a link preview?
Wrap the address in angle brackets inside the round brackets, like [word](<https://example.com>). The tool has a checkbox for this.
Why is my masked link showing as plain text?
Usually there is a space between the ] and the (, or you are typing it somewhere that does not render markdown, such as a nickname.
Can I use a masked link in a bio or nickname?
Not in nicknames. Some profile areas support a limited set of markdown, so test it before relying on it.
