Overview
The Emote Creator lets you build custom emotes by combining layers. Start with a base emote, add overlays like hats, text, or effects, and export the result as a new emoji.
Getting Started
- Go to Create in your dashboard
- You'll see the canvas editor with the layer panel
The Canvas
The editor shows a 384x384 pixel canvas where you compose your emote:
- Checkerboard background indicates transparent areas
- Base layer is centered and fills the canvas
- Overlay layers can be positioned anywhere by dragging
Working with Layers
Adding a Base Layer
Every emote starts with a base:
- Click Add Base or select from templates
- Pick an emote from search or your collections
- The emote appears centered on the canvas
Adding Overlays
Layer additional elements on top:
- Click Add Overlay
- Search for an emote or pick from overlay presets
- The overlay appears on the canvas
- Drag to position it
Adjusting Overlays
Each overlay has independent controls:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Position | Drag on the canvas or set X/Y coordinates |
| Scale | Resize the overlay larger or smaller |
| Opacity | Make the overlay transparent |
| Rotation | Rotate the overlay |
Layer Order
Layers stack on top of each other. Higher layers appear in front. Reorder layers in the layer panel to control which elements are on top.
Template Presets
Start from pre-made templates instead of building from scratch:
- Click Templates
- Browse available presets
- Select one to load it onto the canvas
- Customize from there
Quick Overlays
For common additions, use the quick overlay feature:
- Click Quick Overlay
- Pick from popular overlays (hats, glasses, effects, etc.)
- Position and adjust as needed
Previewing
Before saving, preview your emote at different sizes:
- Click Preview
- See how it looks at Discord's emoji sizes
- Check that details are visible at small sizes
Discord displays emojis at 32x32 pixels in most contexts. Make sure your composition is readable at that size.
Saving Your Creation
- Click Save when you're happy with the result
- Your custom emote is saved to your creations gallery
- From there you can import it to any server or add it to a collection
Creations Gallery
View all your custom emotes:
- Go to the Create page
- Browse your Creations Gallery
- Click any creation to import, download, or delete it
Importing Custom Emotes
Custom emotes work just like any other emote:
- Open a creation from your gallery
- Click Import to Server
- Select the target server
- The custom emote is uploaded as a server emoji
Best Practices
Keep It Simple
Emotes are tiny in Discord. Complex compositions with many layers may not be readable at 32x32 pixels.
Test at Small Sizes
Always preview before importing. What looks good at 384px may be unrecognizable at emoji size.
High-Contrast Overlays
Use overlays that contrast well with the base emote. Subtle overlays tend to disappear at small sizes.