Discord server rules template for a community (copy and paste)

Copy-and-paste rules template

Paste into #rules and edit the [brackets]:

• 1. Be respectful. No harassment, hate speech, personal attacks or discrimination. Disagree with ideas, not people.
• 2. Stay on topic. Use the right channel. Questions go in [#questions], off-topic chat in [#off-topic].
• 3. No spam or self-promotion. No ads, referral links or pitches unless a channel allows it. [Share your work in #showcase.]
• 4. No unsolicited DMs. Don't DM members to sell, recruit or pitch. Report anyone who does.
• 5. Keep it safe for work. No explicit, violent or shocking content.
• 6. Respect privacy. Don't share other people's personal info, screenshots of private chats or [course/call content] outside the server.
• 7. Use your real-ish identity. A recognizable name and no impersonation of staff or others.
• 8. Follow Discord's rules. Discord's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines apply here.
• 9. Staff decisions. Moderators may remove content or members to keep the space healthy. Questions about a decision go to [#support or a ticket], not public channels.
• Consequences: warning, then timeout, then removal. Serious violations mean immediate removal [without refund, if paid].

Short chat rules version

For a channel topic or a pinned message: Be kind - stay on topic - no spam or DMs selling - keep it SFW - ask for help in [#questions].

Where to put your rules

1. Post them in your #rules channel (required when you enable Community) and make it read-only.
2. Add 'read the rules' as a Server Guide to-do in Onboarding.
3. Optionally require rules acceptance before members can chat.
4. Back the spam and language rules with AutoMod keyword and spam filters.

Enforcing rules without drama

• Apply the same steps to everyone; post the consequence ladder
• Use timeouts for heated moments instead of bans
• Keep a private #mod-log of actions and reasons
• For paid communities, put the removal and refund policy in your checkout terms too

Quick answers

What is a good Discord server rules template for a community?

Respect, stay on topic, no spam or self-promotion, no unsolicited DMs, keep it SFW, respect privacy, follow Discord's Terms, and a clear warning-timeout-removal ladder.

What are community guidelines examples for a professional Discord?

Add rules on unsolicited DMs and pitches, confidentiality of calls or course content, and using the right channel for support.

How to handle toxic members in a paid community?

Use the posted ladder: warning, timeout, removal. Document actions in a mod log, and state in your checkout terms what happens to access and refunds after removal.

How do I make people accept the rules before chatting?

Use rules acceptance or an onboarding step, and hide main channels until the member gets the Member role. See our guide on hiding channels until rules are accepted.

Related guides

• Discord welcome message template (plus an introductions template to copy and paste)
• How to hide channels until someone accepts the rules on Discord
• Discord AutoMod setup guide: every rule, response and exemption
• Best moderation settings for a new Discord server