# Designing for Account Linking

:::callout{intent="info"}
Any in-game imagery used in is purely fictional for concept purposes.
:::

## Overall flow

Sign-in or log-in flows all begin with the interaction of a [**Discord-styled button**](/guides/design-foundations-branding-guidelines#buttons).

The Discord Social SDK will support the user-journeys for those who already **have a Discord account** and those who **do not**. We will similarly support those who have Discord installed as well as those who do not (via browser).

A player can also proceed **without** connecting their Discord and continue onwards to playing their game.

![Overall Flow](../img/images/social-sdk/design-guidelines/SigningIn-02.png)

### Connecting your Discord account via Browser (gif)

![Connecting your Discord account via Browser](../img/images/social-sdk/design-guidelines/animated/Connecting-via-Browser.gif)

## Overlay Authorization

Discord's [Overlay](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/217659737-Game-Overlay-101) feature can be used to enable authorization without ever leaving the game. This is available for games who support the feature.

![Overlay Authorization](../img/images/social-sdk/design-guidelines/SigningIn-05.png)

## Before the user connects

We recommend adding a **one-time user education** modal based on feedback we've heard from developers and players.

This modal should include some of the key value props that the Discord Social SDK provides. The modal should be placed contextually **in the game**.

#### Suggested Moments

- Trigger upon game-start for first time after the Discord Social SDK integration is launched to players
- Show when player interacts with the friends list for the first time
- Show in the authorization flow once a player taps the Discord connection point

![Before the user connects](../img/images/social-sdk/design-guidelines/SigningIn-06.png)

## After the user connects

We recommend adding a **success state** in the game when the authorization completes — styled in a way that fits the game's aesthetic.

#### Content

Include the following points sequentially in the game' s writing-style. Remove any points that covers features that the game does not utilize.

- You successfully connected your Discord account
- You can chat with your friends here and on Discord
- It might take some time for your game friends to show up in your Discord

![After the user connects](../img/images/social-sdk/design-guidelines/SigningIn-07.png)

## Error State

The user will also need to be shown an **error state** if the authorization fails — also styled in a way that fits the game's aesthetic.

Please include these key points sequentially in the game's writing-style:

- We were unable to connect your Discord account
- A call-to-action that redirects back to Discord with the initial authorization modal

![Error State](../img/images/social-sdk/design-guidelines/SigningIn-08.png)

***

## Resources

- [Development Guide: Account Linking with Discord](/guides/discord-account-linking-development-guides-account-linking-with-discord)

## Change Log

| Date           | Changes         |
| -------------- | --------------- |
| March 17, 2025 | initial release |

## Related pages

- [API Reference](./api-reference-index.md)
- [App Fundamentals](./app-fundamentals-index.md)
- [Best Practices](./best-practices-index.md)
- [Bots & Companion Apps](./bots-companion-apps-index.md)
- [Building Games](./building-games-index.md)
- [Building on Discord](./building-on-discord-index.md)
- [Change Log](./change-log-index.md)
- [Communities & Servers](./communities-servers-index.md)
- [Components](./components-index.md)
- [Core Concepts](./core-concepts-index.md)

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