Permissions Guide
Understand which permissions SYNTHET needs for each feature, how to configure them safely, and how Discord's role hierarchy works.
Permission Overview
SYNTHET requests Administrator permission by default for maximum convenience, but this can be customized. Here's what you need to know:
Administrator Permission
Grants all permissions at once. Best for most servers. SYNTHET can fully manage moderation, roles, channels, and all features.
Custom Permissions
If you prefer minimal permissions, enable only what you need. Some features may be limited. See the permission table below.
Important: SYNTHET's role must be positioned above roles it needs to manage. See role hierarchy section below.
Permissions by Feature
Here are all Discord permissions and why SYNTHET needs them:
| Permission | Feature Usage | Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Send Messages | All features - basic responses, logs, welcome messages | |
| Embed Links | Rich embeds, welcome cards, rank cards, log messages | |
| Attach Files | Transcripts, welcome images, data exports | Optional |
| Embed Links | Messages with links and formatting | |
| Add Reactions | Reaction roles, voting, interactive menus | Optional |
| Use External Emojis | Custom emoji in responses and embeds | Optional |
| Manage Messages | Auto-moderation, message purge, reaction role cleanup | |
| Manage Roles | Auto-roles, role rewards, leveling, muting, reputation | |
| Manage Channels | Ticket system, temporary channels, channel creation | Optional |
| Kick Members | Kick command, anti-spam, security features | |
| Ban Members | Ban command, anti-raid, security enforcement | |
| Moderate Members (Timeout) | Timeout command, temporary mutes | |
| View Audit Log | Advanced logging, action tracking | Optional |
| View Channel | See channels to log and monitor activity |
Understanding Discord Role Hierarchy
Discord's role hierarchy is critical for bot functionality. Here's how it works:
What is Role Hierarchy?
In Server Settings → Roles, roles are ordered from top to bottom. A role's position determines its power relative to other roles. A higher role can manage lower roles, but NOT equal or higher roles.
The @everyone Role
The @everyone role is always at the bottom. Everyone is a member of this role. Permissions granted to @everyone apply to all users.
Server Owner Exception
The server owner is above all roles and cannot be affected by the bot. No user can moderate the owner, even with lower roles.
What SYNTHET Can & Cannot Do
SYNTHET Can:
- Assign roles positioned below its highest role
- Remove roles from members (if member has role below SYNTHET)
- Moderate members whose highest role is below SYNTHET's highest role
- Create new roles below its position
- Modify roles positioned below it
SYNTHET Cannot:
- Manage roles above or equal to its own highest role
- Moderate members with roles above or equal to SYNTHET's
- Moderate the server owner (unless you're joking about a specific scenario)
- Change the server owner
- Access channels it doesn't have permissions in
Setting Up the Proper Role Hierarchy
Follow these steps to ensure SYNTHET has the proper permissions:
1.Go to Server Settings
Right-click your server name → Server Settings → Roles
2.Find SYNTHET's Role
Look for the SYNTHET role in the list. It's usually near the bottom unless you've repositioned it.
3.Drag SYNTHET's Role Higher
Drag SYNTHET's role above all roles you want it to manage. Common placement: below Moderator roles but above Member roles.
4.Verify Permissions
Click on SYNTHET's role to verify it has the needed permissions (Send Messages, Manage Roles, etc.)
5.Test a Feature
Run a test command like `/warn` on a lower-role member to confirm moderation works.
Channel-Specific Permissions
You can override server permissions for specific channels. This is useful for limiting where SYNTHET operates:
How Channel Permissions Work
Channel-specific permissions override server-wide permissions. If a channel denies Send Messages but the server allows it, SYNTHET will be denied in that channel.
Setting Up Channel Overrides
- 1. Right-click a channel → Edit Channel
- 2. Go to Permissions tab
- 3. Find SYNTHET's role
- 4. Toggle permissions on/off as needed
- 5. Click Save
Common Use Cases
- Disable Send Messages in archives to prevent bot responses there
- Enable Manage Messages only in spam-prone channels
- Limit which channels can use certain bot commands
- Restrict logging channels to admin-only access
Troubleshooting Permission Issues
"Missing Permissions" Error
SYNTHET lacks a required permission to perform an action.
Fix: Check Server Settings → Roles → SYNTHET and enable the required permission. Or check if the channel has an override denying the permission.
"Cannot Manage This Role"
The target role is positioned above SYNTHET's role.
Fix: Go to Server Settings → Roles and drag SYNTHET's role above the target role. Remember: bots can only manage roles below theirs.
"Cannot Moderate This Member"
The member's highest role is at or above SYNTHET's highest role.
Fix: Position SYNTHET's role above the member's roles. Or ask a higher-ranked moderator to handle the action.
Bot doesn't respond in a specific channel
The channel may have permission overrides blocking SYNTHET.
Fix: Right-click the channel → Edit Channel → Permissions. Find SYNTHET and ensure Send Messages is allowed (not denied).
Can't see server/roles/channels
SYNTHET may not have View Server/Channel permissions.
Fix: Ensure SYNTHET has View Channels permission at the server level. Some channels may be hidden - check channel permissions.
Quick Permission Reference
Use Administrator
If you want maximum bot capability. Simplest to set up.
Position SYNTHET Above Managed Roles
Essential for moderation, leveling, and role assignment to work.
Check Channel Overrides
If SYNTHET can't perform actions in a specific channel, check channel permissions.
Can't Manage Owner or Admins
By design - Discord prevents bots from modifying server owner.