Make Discord emoji
Make one clear shape or expression that is readable at chat size. The Discord emoji preset makes an animated GIF. A Lottie download will not upload as a Discord emoji.
Export a small GIF
Open an example below in Mosso. Remove small details that disappear when the art is tiny.
Click Export. Under Where it goes, choose Discord emoji.
The preset uses a transparent 128 x 128 GIF, up to 30 frames per second, with a 256 KB file limit. It loops continuously.
Export and read the final file checks. Keep the GIF below 256 KB for Discord.
Upload it to your server
Use an account that owns the server or has the Create Expressions permission.
Open Server Settings, then Emoji, then Upload Emoji. Choose the exported GIF.
Give it a name with at least two characters, using letters, numbers or underscores. Try it in a message.
Animated emoji use depends on Discord Nitro or Nitro Basic. Mosso makes the file for free; it cannot change Discord permissions or account requirements. See Discord custom emoji help for those rules.
Keep it clear and small
If the GIF is too heavy, shorten the loop, reduce moving detail and use fewer colours. Mosso tries lower frame rates and fewer colours when it needs to fit the destination limit. If it still cannot fit, edit the animation and export again.
GIF has hard transparent edges. Check the result on both light and dark chat backgrounds. Simplify soft shadows and faded edges if they look rough.
An emoji and a sticker use different presets. Discord sticker makes an animated PNG at 320 x 320 with a 512 KB limit. Use Discord emoji for this guide.
Free downloads and editable examples
The editor and every export format are free, with no card and no Mosso watermark. Library downloads need a free account. You can download up to 50 library animations a day, with the limit resetting at midnight UTC. Each download contains one animation.
Open an example below to try its look. Use its download buttons to get Lottie JSON or dotLottie through your account, or choose Edit this in Mosso to change the layers and export another format. A preview file is for playback, not an account download link.
Create a free account or sign in to download from the library. Read the library licence before sharing the finished work.
Try these animations
Open an example to try its colours and timing, or edit it in Mosso.