How do you create a colored MOTD in Minecraft?

November 23, 2025 · caitlin

Creating a colored MOTD (Message of the Day) in Minecraft is a fantastic way to personalize your server and make it more inviting for players. By using color codes within the server properties file, you can make your server stand out with vibrant text. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a colored MOTD in Minecraft, ensuring your server looks both professional and appealing.

What is an MOTD in Minecraft?

The MOTD in Minecraft stands for "Message of the Day." It’s the text that appears below your server name in the multiplayer menu. This message can convey important information or set the tone for your server, making it an essential part of your server’s identity.

How to Change the MOTD in Minecraft?

To change your Minecraft server’s MOTD, follow these steps:

  1. Locate Your Server Files: Access the server directory where your server files are stored. This is typically where your server.properties file is located.

  2. Open the server.properties File: Use a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) to open the server.properties file.

  3. Find the MOTD Line: Look for the line that starts with motd=. This is where you will enter your custom message.

  4. Add Your Custom Message: Type your desired message after motd=. To add color, use Minecraft color codes.

  5. Save and Restart: After editing, save the file and restart your server to apply the changes.

How to Use Color Codes in Minecraft MOTD?

Minecraft uses a set of color codes that allow you to change the appearance of text. These codes are prefixed by the § symbol followed by a specific character. Here’s how you can use them:

  • Color Codes: Each color is represented by a specific code (e.g., §a for green, §b for aqua).
  • Formatting Codes: You can also add formats like bold (§l), italic (§o), and underline (§n).

Example of a Colored MOTD

Suppose you want your MOTD to say "Welcome to Our Server!" in green and bold. You would write it as:

motd=§a§lWelcome to Our Server!

List of Minecraft Color Codes

Color Code Example
Black §0 §0Text
Dark Blue §1 §1Text
Dark Green §2 §2Text
Dark Aqua §3 §3Text
Dark Red §4 §4Text
Dark Purple §5 §5Text
Gold §6 §6Text
Gray §7 §7Text
Dark Gray §8 §8Text
Blue §9 §9Text
Green §a §aText
Aqua §b §bText
Red §c §cText
Light Purple §d §dText
Yellow §e §eText
White §f §fText

Tips for Creating an Effective MOTD

  • Keep It Short: The MOTD should be concise to fit in the limited space.
  • Use Color Wisely: Too many colors can be overwhelming; stick to 2-3 for clarity.
  • Convey Important Info: Include server rules or a welcoming message.
  • Test Different Styles: Try various color combinations to see what best matches your server’s theme.

People Also Ask

How Do You Add Multiple Colors to an MOTD?

To add multiple colors, simply use different color codes before each section of text. For example:

motd=§1Welcome §2to §3Our §4Server!

Can You Use Color Codes in Minecraft Bedrock Edition?

No, color codes for MOTD are specific to Minecraft Java Edition. Bedrock Edition does not support color codes in the same way for server MOTDs.

How Do You Make Text Bold in Minecraft MOTD?

To make text bold, use the formatting code §l before the text. For example:

motd=§lBold Text Here

What Are the Limitations of Minecraft MOTD?

The MOTD has a character limit of 59 characters, including color codes. Exceeding this limit may cause the message to truncate.

Can You Use Emojis in Minecraft MOTD?

Yes, you can use Unicode characters, including emojis, in your MOTD by copying and pasting them directly into the server.properties file.

Conclusion

Creating a colored MOTD in Minecraft is an excellent way to enhance your server’s appearance and attract players. By using color and formatting codes, you can craft a unique and engaging message that reflects your server’s personality. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect look, and remember to keep your message clear and welcoming. For more tips on server customization, check out our guide on optimizing Minecraft server performance and enhancing player engagement.

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