A good Discord layout makes a server feel organized and welcoming; a messy one drives people away. This guide covers proven channel structures and how to use server templates to set up fast.
What Are Discord Server Templates?
A server template is a shareable blueprint of a server's categories, channels, roles, and settings. Anyone with the template link can create a new server pre-built with that structure, a huge time-saver.
To create a template:
- Open Server Settings → Templates
- Click Generate Template
- Share the link
To use one: open the template link and click Create a server.
Proven Layouts
Small Community / Friends
INFO: #welcome, #rules MAIN: #general, #off-topic, #media VOICE: Lounge, Gaming
Minimal and easy to fill with conversation.
Gaming Community
INFORMATION: #welcome, #rules, #announcements, #updates COMMUNITY: #general, #off-topic, #memes, #clips GAME: #game-chat, #lfg (looking for group), #strategies, #support VOICE: General, Squad 1, Squad 2, AFK
Game Server / Hosting Community
INFO: #welcome, #rules, #status SUPPORT: #support, #faq, #ticket-create COMMUNITY: #general, #suggestions, #media VOICE: General, Help Desk
Layout Best Practices
- Use categories to group related channels
- Order channels logically, info at the top, voice at the bottom
- Limit channel count, empty channels make a server feel dead
- Use clear names and emojis sparingly for quick scanning
- Lock info channels so only staff post there
- Add an #lfg channel for gaming communities to connect players
Finding Templates
Discord has official templates when creating a server, and community sites host many free templates for gaming, study, and business servers. Pick one close to your needs and customize.
Customizing After Importing
A template is a starting point. After creating from one:
- Rename channels to fit your topic
- Adjust role permissions
- Add your own bots
- Set up onboarding and verification
Templates copy channels and roles, not bots, so you add those yourself. If one of them is your own custom bot, it needs a host that stays online. Our Discord bot hosting starts at €0.50 a month.
Tips
- Generate your own template once your layout is dialed in, so you can clone it
- Keep it lean and expand as the community grows
- Review the layout every few months and prune dead channels
FAQ
How do you make a Discord server template? In Server Settings → Templates, click Generate Template and share the link.
What is the best channel layout? Group channels into categories (info, community, game, voice) and keep the count lean.
Where do I find Discord templates? Discord's built-in templates when creating a server, plus community template sites.
Related: Discord server setup, Discord server branding, Discord server tags