What size do Discord emojis need to be?

Discord emojis must be square and are displayed at 32x32 px, but you should upload at 128x128 px for crispness. Files must be under 256 KB, in PNG, JPG, or GIF format.

How many custom emojis can a Discord server have?

A non-boosted server gets 50 custom emoji slots (plus 50 animated). Boosting raises this: Level 1 = 100, Level 2 = 150, Level 3 = 250 slots each for static and animated emojis.

Can I make custom Discord emojis for free?

Yes. You can generate emojis from text with AI, or turn any image into a properly sized emoji, using free browser tools like OmniEmoji — then upload them in your server settings, no payment needed.

Why won't my emoji upload to Discord?

The most common reasons are: the file is over 256 KB, it isn't square, or you've hit your server's emoji slot limit. Resize to 128x128 px and compress under 256 KB to fix it.

How to Make Custom Discord Emojis for Free (2026 Guide)

Short answer: Create or resize an image to a square 128×128 px PNG under 256 KB, then go to your Discord Server Settings → Emoji → Upload Emoji. You can make one from scratch with a free AI emoji generator or a sticker maker in your browser — no payment or app needed.

Custom emojis make a Discord server feel like yours. Here’s the complete, free way to do it in 2026.

What you need to know first (Discord’s rules)

Before making anything, know the limits so your upload doesn’t get rejected:

Size: Square image, uploaded at 128×128 px (Discord displays it at 32×32).
File size: Under 256 KB.
Formats: PNG, JPG, or GIF (GIF for animated emojis).
Slots: A non-boosted server has 50 static + 50 animated slots. Boosting adds more (up to 250 each at Level 3).
Permissions: You need the Manage Emojis and Stickers permission on the server.

Method 1: Generate a custom emoji with AI (no image needed)

If you don’t have artwork, let AI make it:

Open the AI Emoji Generator.
Describe what you want — e.g. “a purple dragon giving a thumbs up, cute cartoon style”.
Generate and download the PNG.
Upload it to Discord (steps below).

This is the fastest way to get a unique emoji that nobody else’s server has.

Method 2: Turn your own image into an emoji

Already have a logo, meme, or drawing?

Open the Sticker Maker.
Upload your image, crop it square, and add text or effects if you want.
Export at a Discord-friendly size.
Upload to your server.

Method 3: Combine two emojis into something new

For a fun, original emoji, mash two together:

Open Emoji Mashup (it’s like Google’s Emoji Kitchen, but works in any browser).
Pick two emojis, combine them, and download the result.
Upload it as a custom emoji.

How to upload your emoji to Discord

On desktop (easiest):

Click your server name → Server Settings.
In the sidebar, click Emoji.
Click Upload Emoji and select your file.
Give it a name (this becomes the :shortcode: people type).
Done — it’s now usable by everyone on the server.

On mobile: tap the server name → Settings → Emoji → Upload Emoji.

Troubleshooting: why your emoji won’t upload

Problem	Fix
”File too large”	Compress to under 256 KB; 128×128 px is plenty
Emoji looks stretched	Make it a perfect square before uploading
”Maximum emojis reached”	You’ve hit your slot limit — delete unused ones or boost the server
Animated emoji won’t move	Animated emojis need server boosting to use across channels, and must be GIF

Bonus: stickers vs emojis

Discord also supports stickers (larger, used in messages, 320×320 px). The same Sticker Maker can export both — just pick the right size for what you need.

The bottom line

You don’t need design skills or paid software to give your Discord server custom emojis. Generate one with AI, make one from an image, or mash two emojis together — all free, all in your browser. Keep it square, under 256 KB, and upload through Server Settings → Emoji.