What Is BetterDiscord and How To Use It?

For millions of users worldwide, Discord has become the ultimate hub for voice calls, video chats, and text communication, whether you’re gaming, learning, or simply hanging out. But if you’ve spent any significant time on Discord, you’ve likely imagined features that could improve your experience—custom themes, better organization, or more control over the interface. That’s where BetterDiscord comes in. This popular client modification opens the door to powerful customizations, offering users the chance to turn Discord into a truly personalized environment.

What Is BetterDiscord?

BetterDiscord is an unofficial enhancement of the original Discord application. It’s an open-source tool that allows users to customize their Discord client far beyond the limitations of the standard version. From installing custom themes and plugins to adding new functionality, BetterDiscord enables users to tailor the experience to their specific needs.

It’s important to note, however, that because BetterDiscord modifies the official Discord client, it technically violates Discord’s Terms of Service. While enforcement is rare, users should proceed with caution and understand the associated risks before using it.

Key Features of BetterDiscord

Here are some of the most compelling features that set BetterDiscord apart:

• Themes: Customize your Discord with visual themes, from sleek dark modes to colorful animated interfaces.
• Plugins: Add custom features such as emoji enhancements, chat filters, game integrations, or improved server management tools.
• CSS Customization: Use custom CSS to modify the appearance of nearly every visual component.
• Hide Discord UI Elements: Remove elements like the Nitro banner or upgrade buttons for a cleaner look.

Is BetterDiscord Safe?

Technically, using BetterDiscord is against Discord’s policies, but many users still use it without issue. The key to safely using BetterDiscord is:

• Only install trusted plugins and themes from the official BetterDiscord community or GitHub pages.
• Stay away from suspicious downloads or links posted by random users in plugins-oriented Discord servers or Reddit threads.
• Back up your data in case any compatibility issues arise during updates or plugin installations.

Always remember that while features may be enticing, you are ultimately responsible for what you install on your device.

How to Install BetterDiscord

Installing BetterDiscord is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official site: https://betterdiscord.app/
2. Click on the “Download” button and let the installer run.
3. Launch the installer and choose “Install BetterDiscord.”
4. Select your Discord version (most users use the default Stable version).
5. Allow the installer to complete and restart Discord.

Once installed, you’ll notice a new “Settings” section in Discord where you can manage themes, plugins, and other BetterDiscord settings.

Installing Themes in BetterDiscord

Themes transform the look and feel of Discord. They are written in CSS and can drastically change your experience. Here’s how to install them:

1. Navigate to betterdiscord.app/themes.
2. Browse and choose the theme you like.
3. Click download to get the “.theme.css” file.
4. Open Discord and go to User Settings > BetterDiscord > Themes.
5. Click “Open Theme Folder” and drag the .css file into this folder.
6. Enable the theme toggle in Discord to activate it.

You can experiment with multiple themes and even edit the CSS if you have specific preferences, giving you total control over your user interface.

Using Plugins to Extend Functionality

Plugins unlock even more potential, offering features that are absent in the base Discord client. These include things like showing typing indicators from all servers, managing unread messages more easily, or even translating messages on the fly.

To install plugins:

1. Visit betterdiscord.app/plugins and download the plugin you want (usually a .plugin.js file).
2. Open Discord and go to User Settings > BetterDiscord > Plugins.
3. Click “Open Plugins Folder” and place your downloaded .js plugin file into it.
4. Enable the plugin in Discord by toggling it on.

You may be prompted to install dependencies for some plugins. Instructions usually appear directly within Discord if that’s the case.

Popular BetterDiscord Plugins

While the plugin library is vast, here are some of the most popular and useful ones:

• ReadAllNotificationsButton: Adds a button to clear all unread messages at once.
• GameActivityToggle: Allows you to toggle the game/activity status visibility without navigating through menus.
• MessageLogger: Logs deleted or edited messages in real-time (note: use responsibly).
• Translator: Automatically translates messages in channels into your preferred language.

These plugins add a layer of convenience and utility that even power-users didn’t know they needed.

Can You Be Banned for Using BetterDiscord?

Technically, yes—but it’s complicated.

According to Discord’s Terms of Service, modifying the client violates their rules, which could result in a ban. However, enforcement tends to focus on behavior rather than client modifications, and most bans arise from using harmful or exploitive plugins, not basic customization.

To stay safe:

• Don’t use plugins that break Discord’s core functionality or allow abusive behaviors (e.g., spam, impersonation).
• Stick to well-reviewed plugins from reputable developers.
• Keep backups and stay updated in BetterDiscord support communities to know if rules change.

Tips for Better Usage and Maintenance

Just like any other modification, BetterDiscord can become unstable over time if not maintained. Here are a few tips to keep your client running smoothly:

• Update regularly: Always keep BetterDiscord and your plugins/themes updated to ensure compatibility with Discord updates.
• Limit excessive plugins: Don’t overload your system with too many plugins, as they can slow down performance or conflict with each other.
• Check plugin compatibility: When Discord updates, some plugins may break. Disable or remove outdated ones and wait for updates.

Alternatives to BetterDiscord

If you’re uncomfortable using BetterDiscord due to TOS violations or potential stability issues, consider these alternatives:

• Discord Themes (via official options): Limited, but Discord now offers a few customization options like Light/Dark mode and Accent Color.
• Powercord and Replugged: These are alternative modification clients that emphasize modular architecture and provide ongoing development for similar functionality.

These options typically have similar risks but may offer better modularity or transparency via open-source communities.

Conclusion

BetterDiscord is a creative, community-driven project giving power users a way to transform their Discord experience. Whether you’re using it for aesthetic upgrades or functional enhancements, it offers unprecedented personalization. But with great power comes great responsibility—if you decide to try BetterDiscord, do so with an awareness of the risks, and use it in good faith.

So if you’re ready to step up your Discord game, explore the world of BetterDiscord and discover how much more Discord can offer beyond the boundaries of the official client.