Step 1: Add SummaryBot to your server
Click Add to Discord and authorize the bot for the server you want to catch up on. It works in any text channel the moment it joins, with no configuration required. The bot only ever reads channels it already has permission to see.
Step 2: Run /summarize in a channel
Open the channel you want to summarize and type /summarize. You can point it at the current channel, choose specific channels, or search across every channel you have access to at once. Leave the options blank and an interactive wizard walks you through each choice.
Step 3: Pick your time window
Choose how far back to look, from the last hour up to the last 30 days. A one-hour window is perfect for a quick check-in, while a 7- or 30-day window rebuilds everything you missed over a long weekend or a vacation. SummaryBot reads only the messages in that range and writes the recap from what people actually said.
Step 4: Read the recap and jump to the source
The summary comes back as the key discussions, decisions, and action items from that window. Every point carries a jump link to the original message, so one click takes you to the full context. From there you can export the recap as Markdown or PDF, or push any extracted tasks to Trello or Notion.
Frequently asked questions
How do I summarize a Discord channel?
Add SummaryBot to your server, open the channel you want to catch up on, and type /summarize. Choose a time window and which channels to include, and the bot returns a recap of the key discussions, decisions, and action items with links back to the original messages.
How far back can SummaryBot summarize?
Anywhere from the last hour up to the last 30 days on paid plans. The free trial covers the last 7 days, and higher plans extend both the lookback window and the number of messages included in a single summary.
Can I summarize every channel at once?
Yes. When you run /summarize you can point it at the current channel, pick specific channels, or search across every channel you have access to, so you can rebuild the whole picture in one command.
Do I need admin permissions to use /summarize?
No. Anyone can run /summarize, and the bot only reads channels you can already see. Server admins can exclude any channel from summaries at any time using per-channel privacy opt-outs.