Minecraft MOTD Color Codes Guide (2026)
The MOTD (Message of the Day) is the text shown below your server name in the multiplayer list. Color codes and formatting make it stand out.
Color Codes
Use the section symbol followed by a color code in server.properties:
| Code | Color | Code | Color | |------|-------|------|-------| | \u00A70 | Black | \u00A78 | Dark Gray | | \u00A71 | Dark Blue | \u00A79 | Blue | | \u00A72 | Dark Green | \u00A7a | Green | | \u00A73 | Dark Aqua | \u00A7b | Aqua | | \u00A74 | Dark Red | \u00A7c | Red | | \u00A75 | Dark Purple | \u00A7d | Light Purple | | \u00A76 | Gold | \u00A7e | Yellow | | \u00A77 | Gray | \u00A7f | White |
Formatting Codes
| Code | Effect | |------|--------| | \u00A7l | Bold | | \u00A7o | Italic | | \u00A7n | Underline | | \u00A7m | Strikethrough | | \u00A7k | Obfuscated (random characters) | | \u00A7r | Reset formatting |
Setting the MOTD
server.properties Method
Edit server.properties:
motd=\u00A7aWelcome to \u00A7b\u00A7lMy Server\u00A7r\n\u00A7ePlaying Survival 1.21
The \n creates a new line. You get two lines maximum.
Plugin Method (Recommended)
Plugins like MiniMOTD or ServerListPlus provide:
- Easy color code formatting with
&instead of section symbols - Multiple MOTDs that rotate
- Player count customization
- Per-version messages
- Condition-based MOTDs
With MiniMOTD:
&aWelcome to &b&lMy Server
&ePlaying Survival 1.21
MOTD Generators
Online tools that generate MOTDs visually:
- minecraft.tools/motd (drag and drop color editor)
- mctools.org (MOTD preview)
These let you see exactly how the MOTD looks before applying it.
Tips for a Good MOTD
- Keep it short and readable
- Use 2 to 3 colors maximum
- First line: Server name (bold)
- Second line: Current event, version, or player count
- Avoid obfuscated text (\u00A7k) because it is distracting
- Update seasonally or for events
Examples
Simple and clean:
\u00A7b\u00A7lSpace-Node MC \u00A7r\u00A77| \u00A7aSurvival
\u00A77Join now and start building!
Event highlight:
\u00A76\u00A7lSummer Event! \u00A7r\u00A7e2x XP Weekend
\u00A7fplay.example.com \u00A77| \u00A7a1.21
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