Do you spend countless hours on Discord, engaged in lively conversations with friends and fellow community members? As you navigate through various servers and channels, you may encounter a common annoyance: a chat window that takes up too much screen real estate. If you’re seeking a solution to minimize the Discord chat window without sacrificing functionality, this comprehensive guide is here to assist you. We’ll delve into the simple yet effective steps you can take to achieve a more streamlined and comfortable Discord experience.
To begin, hover your mouse over the top portion of the chat window. You’ll notice a small double-sided arrow icon appear. By clicking and dragging this icon, you can resize the chat window to your preferred width. Experiment with different sizes until you find one that balances visibility with screen space optimization. Alternatively, you can utilize the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + -” (Windows) or “Cmd + Shift + -” (Mac) to shrink the chat window incrementally. Once you’ve adjusted the width, you can further minimize the chat window by hovering over the right edge of the window and dragging it inward. This will reduce the height of the chat window, allowing you to view more of the server list or other channels simultaneously.
Moreover, Discord offers a compact mode that condenses the chat window even further. To enable this mode, click on the gear icon in the bottom left corner of the Discord window to access the User Settings. Under the “Appearance” tab, locate the “Compact Mode” option and toggle it on. This will shrink the chat window to a more compact size, providing additional screen space for other tasks or applications. Additionally, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + C” (Windows) or “Cmd + Option + C” (Mac) to toggle compact mode on or off quickly.
Minimize the Discord Window
Discord provides a dedicated option to minimize the chat window, allowing you to keep the conversation thread minimized while continuing other activities. This feature is particularly useful when you want to stay connected without cluttering your screen with unnecessary windows. To minimize the Discord chat window, simply click on the “-” icon located in the top-right corner of the window. Doing so will collapse the window to a small bar at the bottom of your screen. The minimized window will still display important information such as unread messages and mention notifications. To restore the chat window to its full size, simply click on the minimized bar.
Steps to Minimize the Discord Chat Window
Here are the detailed steps to minimize the Discord chat window:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Open the Discord chat window you want to minimize. |
| 2. | Locate the “-” icon in the top-right corner of the window. |
| 3. | Click on the “-” icon to minimize the window. |
Once you have minimized the chat window, it will remain minimized until you click on the minimized bar to restore it. You can minimize multiple chat windows simultaneously, allowing you to manage your conversations effectively without having to juggle multiple open windows.
Use Hotkeys or Keyboard Shortcuts
Using hotkeys or keyboard shortcuts is another quick and efficient way to minimize the Discord chat window. Here are the steps to do so:
On Windows
– Press the **”Ctrl”** key and the **”Alt”** key simultaneously.
– While holding those keys, press the **”-“** key (minus symbol) to minimize the chat window.
– To restore the window, press the **”Ctrl”** key and the **”Alt”** key again, then press the **”+”** key (plus symbol).
On Mac
– Press the **”Command”** key and the **”Option”** key simultaneously.
– While holding those keys, press the **”-“** key (minus symbol) to minimize the chat window.
– To restore the window, press the **”Command”** key and the **”Option”** key again, then press the **”+”** key (plus symbol).
Note: These hotkeys can be customized in the Discord settings under the **”Keybinds”** tab.
Adjust the Discord Window Size
Adjusting the Discord window size is an effective way to downsize the chat window. To do this:
- Hover your cursor over the edge of the Discord window until it turns into a double-headed arrow.
- Click and hold the double-headed arrow.
- Drag the window border to resize it to your preferred dimensions.
Alternatively, you can resize the Discord window by:
- Clicking and dragging the top-left corner of the window.
- Using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + R (Windows) or Command + R (Mac).
Advanced Window Resizing
For more precise window resizing, consider the following techniques:
- Use the Windows “Snap” Feature: Drag the Discord window to the edge of your screen to automatically snap it into half-screen or quarter-screen mode.
- Use the Discord Hotkey: Press Ctrl + Shift + 0 (Windows) or Command + Shift + 0 (Mac) to toggle between full-screen and windowed modes.
- Customize Window Dimensions: Right-click the Discord window and select “Settings.” Under “Appearance,” you can specify the exact width and height of the window in pixels.
| Platform | Hotkey |
|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl + Shift + 0 |
| Mac | Command + Shift + 0 |
Hide the Sidebar
If you want to keep the sidebar hidden on your Discord window, you can click on the three dots in the top right corner of the sidebar itself and select “Hide Sidebar.” This will make the sidebar disappear, giving you more space for your chat window. To bring the sidebar back, simply click on the Discord icon in the top left corner of the window and select “Show Sidebar.”
Steps to Hide the Discord Sidebar
Here are the detailed steps on how to hide the Discord sidebar:
- Open the Discord app on your device.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the sidebar.
- Select “Hide Sidebar” from the drop-down menu.
- The sidebar will disappear, leaving you with more space for your chat window.
Benefits of Hiding the Sidebar
Hiding the Discord sidebar offers several benefits, including:
- Increased chat window space for a more focused conversation.
- Reduced visual clutter, allowing you to better view important chat messages.
- Improved workflow by eliminating unnecessary distractions from the sidebar.
Table: Comparison of Discord Sidebar Hide Options
The following table compares the different options available for hiding the Discord sidebar:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Hide Sidebar Button | Click the three dots in the top right corner of the sidebar and select “Hide Sidebar.” |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “H” (Windows) or “Command” + “Shift” + “H” (Mac) to toggle sidebar visibility. |
| Direct Link | Go to the URL “discordapp.com/settings/appearance” and scroll down to the “Sidebar” section to disable it. |
Disable Fullscreen Mode
If you find the Discord chat window taking up too much of your screen, you can disable fullscreen mode to make it smaller. To do this:
- Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the Discord window.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Go to the “Appearance” tab.
- Under the “Display” section, uncheck the box next to “Fullscreen”.
- Click on the “Save” button to apply your changes.
Once you have disabled fullscreen mode, you can resize the Discord chat window to make it smaller. To do this, simply drag the edges of the window inward.
Here are some additional tips for making the Discord chat window smaller:
- You can use the keyboard shortcut **Ctrl + -** (Windows) or **Cmd + -** (Mac) to zoom out the Discord window.
- You can also use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out of the Discord window.
- If you want to make the Discord chat window as small as possible, you can click on the minimize button in the top-right corner of the window.
Use Discord’s Compact Mode
Discord’s Compact Mode is a great way to shrink the size of your chat window without sacrificing any functionality. Here’s how to enable it:
- Open the Discord settings menu by clicking the gear icon in the bottom left corner of the window.
- Click on the “Appearance” tab.
- Under the “Chat Display” section, find the “Compact Mode” option and toggle it on.
Enable Compact Mode with a Keyboard Shortcut
If you want a quicker way to enable Compact Mode, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + \ (backslash). This will toggle Compact Mode on or off instantly.
Customize Compact Mode
Once you’ve enabled Compact Mode, you can further customize it to your liking.
Here are some tips:
- Change the font size: You can adjust the font size in Compact Mode by clicking on the "Font Size" option in the "Appearance" settings tab and selecting a smaller size.
- Hide the avatars: If you don’t need to see the avatars of the people you’re chatting with, you can hide them by clicking on the "Avatar Display" option in the "Appearance" settings tab and selecting "Never."
- Remove the server list: If you only need to keep a few select servers open in your chat window, you can hide the server list by clicking on the "Server List Display" option in the "Appearance" settings tab and selecting "Hide."
Customize the User Interface
Discord offers a customizable interface to tailor the chat window to your preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Enable Compact Mode
Toggle the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open Discord’s settings. Under “Appearance,” tick the “Enable Compact Mode” checkbox. This reduces the vertical space taken by elements like the user list and text channels.
2. Hide Avatars
Select “Text & Images” from the left sidebar and uncheck “Display Avatars.” This removes profile pictures from chat messages, freeing up horizontal space.
3. Adjust Font Size
Scroll down to “Font Size” and choose a smaller setting. This reduces the size of text in chat messages and improves readability in a smaller window.
4. Use Text-Only Mode
Click on “Advanced” and scroll down to “Text-Only Mode.” Enable this option to display messages without any formatting, including emoticons and images. This can save significant space in the chat window.
5. Disable Chat Notifications
Head to “Notifications” and toggle off any unnecessary notifications. This reduces distractions and frees up space in the chat window by removing info boxes.
6. Customize Toolbar
Select “Customize Toolbar” at the bottom of the “Notifications” panel. Drag and drop icons to reorder or hide buttons, tailoring the toolbar to your needs.
7. Set Custom CSS
For advanced users, Discord allows the use of custom CSS to further customize the interface. Access “Custom CSS” from the “Advanced” panel and enter CSS code to modify the layout of the chat window. Refer to Discord’s documentation for specific CSS commands. By combining these settings, you can significantly reduce the size of the Discord chat window while maintaining functionality and readability.
Employ Third-Party Plugins or Extensions
There are numerous third-party plugins and extensions available that can help you shrink the Discord chat window. These add-ons can be installed directly from the Discord store or through external sources.
Selecting Plugins or Extensions
When choosing a plugin or extension, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Compatibility: Ensure the plugin or extension is compatible with your version of Discord.
- Functionality: Decide what specific features you need, such as window resizing, chat transparency, or custom chat themes.
- User Reviews: Read reviews from other users to gauge the effectiveness and reliability of the plugin or extension.
Installation and Configuration
Once you have selected a suitable plugin or extension, follow these steps for installation and configuration:
- Download and Install: Most plugins or extensions can be downloaded from the Discord store or reputable third-party sources.
- Add to Discord: After installation, open Discord and go to the “User Settings” menu. Under the “Plugins” tab, click the “Add Plugin” button and select the plugin or extension you want to use.
- Configure Settings: Once added, the plugin or extension will have its own settings menu. Explore the options to customize the chat window size and other related features.
Here’s a table summarizing some popular third-party plugins and extensions for shrinking the Discord chat window:
| Plugin/Extension | Features |
|---|---|
| BetterDiscord | Customizable chat themes, window resizing, improved chat functionality |
| Discord Enhancement Suite | Window resizing, chat transparency, improved user interface |
| MinimalCord | Simplifies the Discord interface, reduces window size |
| Powercord | Modular Discord client, allows for extensive customization, including window resizing |
| Revolt | Alternate Discord client with a compact and customizable user interface |
Modify Discord’s Settings
To further customize the appearance of your Discord chat window, you can delve into its settings and make specific adjustments.
Step 1: Access Discord Settings
Click on the gear icon in the bottom-left corner of the Discord window to open Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to “Appearance” Tab
Select the “Appearance” tab from the left-hand sidebar of the Settings window.
Step 3: Adjust “Chat Window Size”
Under the “Chat Window Size” section, you can choose from three preset options: Compact, Cozy, and Default. Compact results in the smallest chat window size, while Default restores it to its original size.
Step 4: Customize Window Width and Height
Alternatively, you can manually set the width and height of the chat window in the fields provided. Enter your desired pixel values and click “Apply” to implement the changes.
Step 5: Enable “Use Compact Mode When Focused”
Tick the checkbox labeled “Use Compact Mode When Focused” to further minimize the chat window size when the window is active.
Step 6: Adjust Font Scale
In the “Text Size” section, you can increase or decrease the font size in the chat window using the slider provided.
Step 7: Choose a Compact Theme
Select a theme from the “Themes” dropdown menu that emphasizes a more compact interface, such as “Minimal” or “Darker.
Step 8: Customize Channel Panel Width
Under the “Channel Panel Width” section, you can adjust the width of the left-hand channel panel by dragging the slider.
Step 9: Remove Unnecessary Elements
Consider disabling any unnecessary elements in the chat window to reduce its overall size. For example, you can uncheck “Show Rich Presence” or “Show Game Activity” under the “Advanced” tab in Settings.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Compact Chat Window Size | Predefined size options for a smaller chat window |
| Custom Window Size | Manual adjustment of chat window width and height |
| Use Compact Mode When Focused | Further minimizes chat window when active |
| Text Size | Adjusts the font size in the chat window |
| Compact Theme | Selects a theme that emphasizes a more compact interface |
| Channel Panel Width | Customizes the width of the left-hand channel panel |
| Remove Unnecessary Elements | Disables non-essential elements to reduce chat window size |
Utilize the Discord Web Version
The Discord web version offers a more flexible and customizable experience when it comes to window size. By accessing Discord through a web browser, you have greater control over the chat window’s dimensions:
- Navigate to discord.com and log in to your account.
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Scroll down to the “Appearance” section.
- Under “Window Size”, adjust the “Width” and “Height” settings to your desired dimensions.
- Click on the “Save Changes” button to apply your settings.
- The Discord web window will now be resized according to your specifications.
Advantages of Using the Discord Web Version for Window Resizing:
| Advantages |
|---|
| Allows for precise control over window dimensions |
| Provides a more customizable experience |
| Can be used on any device with a web browser |
How To Get Smaller Discord Chat Window
When using Discord, you may find that the chat window is taking up too much space on your screen. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make the chat window smaller.
Method 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
The quickest way to make the chat window smaller is to use the keyboard shortcut **Ctrl** + **-**. This will reduce the size of the chat window by 50%.
Method 2: Use the Settings Menu
You can also make the chat window smaller through the settings menu. To do this, click on the **gear** icon in the bottom-left corner of the Discord window, then select **Settings**.
In the settings menu, click on the **Appearance** tab, then scroll down to the **Chat Width** section. Use the slider to adjust the size of the chat window.
