How do I use a Discord server template?
Updated · Setup
Open the template link (discord.new/...), name the server, and Discord creates a new server with the template's channels, categories, roles and permissions. Templates do not copy bots, messages, members, emoji or the server icon, so after creating it you still invite bots, write rules and welcome posts, and set up Community and Onboarding.
| Item | Copied? | What to do after |
|---|---|---|
| Channels and categories | Yes | Rename and delete what you won't use |
| Roles and their permissions | Yes | Assign roles to yourself and staff |
| Channel permission overrides | Yes | Test private channels with a non-admin account |
| Default server settings (e.g. notification default, verification level) | Yes | Review in Server Settings |
| Messages, pins, rules text | No | Write rules, welcome and announcement posts |
| Bots and integrations | No | Re-invite each bot and reconfigure it |
| Members | No | Share a new invite link |
| Emoji, stickers, server icon, banner | No | Upload them again |
Create a server from a template link
- Open the template link in a browser or the Discord app (it looks like discord.new/abc123).
- Check the preview of channels and roles.
- Name your server and upload an icon.
- Click Create. You become the owner of a brand-new server.
Make a template from your own server
Anyone with the link can create a server from it, so treat private template links like you would an internal document.
- Open Server Settings > Server Template (you need Manage Server).
- Give it a title and description, then generate the template.
- Copy the link and share it, or keep it for your next cohort or brand.
- If you later change the source server, use Sync Template so the link reflects the new structure.
Your first hour after using a template
- Delete or rename channels that don't fit, before anyone joins.
- Assign yourself and your moderators the right roles.
- Write and pin the rules and the welcome post.
- Enable Community (Server Settings > Enable Community) to unlock Onboarding, forum channels and announcement channels.
- Invite and configure bots: moderation, tickets, roles or paid access as needed.
- Join with a second test account and confirm what a new member sees.
Common gotchas
- Bot roles in the template exist but the bots don't: delete orphan bot roles or re-invite the bots.
- Onboarding questions and Community settings need to be configured again on the new server.
- Private channels can still look public if a category override is out of sync. Check each private channel's permissions.
Quick answers
- How to use a Discord server template?
- Open the discord.new link, review the preview, name the server and click Create. You get a new server with the same channels, roles and permissions.
- Does a Discord template copy bots and messages?
- No. Bots, messages, members, emoji, stickers and the server icon are not copied. You re-invite bots and rewrite your posts.
- Can I apply a template to a server I already have?
- Not directly. A template creates a new server. To change an existing server you rebuild channels and roles by hand or move members to the new server.
- Where do I find my server's template link?
- In Server Settings > Server Template. You need the Manage Server permission to create or sync it.
What to do next
Get a template built for your type of community, with setup notes for rules, onboarding and bots that templates can't copy.
Related guides
Sources
Checked: . Discord changes features and menus often; if something looks different, the official help center is the source of truth. LaunchMyServer is not affiliated with Discord.