Discord Image Size Guide 2026 - Emoji, Avatars, Icons and Banners
Discord Image Size Guide 2026 - Emoji, Avatars, Icons and Banners
Discord has the strictest image limits of any major chat app. Custom emoji must stay under 256 KB, server icons have exact minimums, and banners are locked behind Nitro. Here are the sizes that pass first try.
Discord Image Sizes at a Glance
| Slot | Size | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Custom emoji | 128 x 128 px | Max 256 KB per file |
| Sticker | 320 x 320 px | Max 512 KB per file |
| Avatar / profile picture | 128 x 128 px display (upload 512 x 512 or larger) | 8 MB free uploads |
| Server icon | 512 x 512 px minimum | Displays as a circle |
| Server banner | 960 x 540 px (16:9) | Nitro boosted servers |
| Invite splash | 1920 x 1080 px | Boost level 1 and up |
Why Discord Rejects Your Emoji
Almost every "upload failed" comes down to file size, not dimensions. A 128 px PNG with transparency can easily exceed 256 KB if it has fine detail. Discord checks bytes first.
The fix: resize to exactly 128 x 128, then compress until the file drops under 256 KB. For animated emoji, shorter loops and fewer frames beat any other trick.
How to Make a Discord Emoji That Uploads First Try
- Start square: Crop your image to a 1:1 square with the subject centered.
- Resize: Use the Image Resizer to hit exactly 128 x 128 px.
- Compress: Run it through the Image Compressor until it is under 256 KB.
- Upload: Server Settings, Emoji, Upload Emoji. Done.
For server icons, follow the same flow at 512 x 512. Remember the circular crop: keep logos and faces away from the corners.
Best Practices for Crisp Discord Art
- PNG for emoji with transparency: Transparency is the whole point of most emoji, and PNG preserves it.
- JPG for banners and splash art: Photographic banners compress far smaller as JPG with no visible difference at chat sizes.
- Test at 32 px: Emoji render tiny in chat. Preview your 128 px file scaled down before uploading. If it is unreadable small, simplify the design.
- Stay under free upload limits: Compress avatars and attachments so they send fast and never hit the 8 MB free cap.
Conclusion
Hit 128 x 128 under 256 KB for emoji, 512 square for server icons, and 16:9 for banners. Resize once with the Image Resizer, compress with the Image Compressor, and every upload passes.
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imgKonvert Team
Image Optimization Specialists
The imgKonvert editorial team publishes practical guides on image conversion, compression, resizing, and metadata privacy best practices.
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