# How to Add a Custom Server Icon to Your Minecraft Server (/docs/minecraft/add-server-icon)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

A server icon is a small image that appears next to your server name in the Minecraft multiplayer server list. It's a simple way to make your server stand out and look more professional.

Requirements [#requirements]

| Requirement    | Value                                              |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **Filename**   | `server-icon.png` (exact, case-sensitive on Linux) |
| **Format**     | PNG                                                |
| **Dimensions** | **64×64 pixels** (exact — not 64x65 or 32x32)      |
| **Location**   | Server root (same level as `server.properties`)    |

> **Strict requirements:** Minecraft will silently ignore icons that don't meet these specs exactly. There's no error message — the icon just won't appear.

Add the Icon [#add-the-icon]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create or resize your image [#create-or-resize-your-image]

    Make a 64×64 PNG using any image editor:

    | Tool                 | Notes                                               |
    | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
    | **GIMP** (free)      | Image > Scale Image > 64×64                         |
    | **Photoshop**        | Image > Image Size > 64×64 px                       |
    | **Pixlr** (web)      | [pixlr.com](https://pixlr.com) — free online editor |
    | **Paint.NET** (free) | Image > Resize > 64×64                              |

    Save it as `server-icon.png` (exact name).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Console** and stop your server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Upload the icon [#upload-the-icon]

    Click **Files** in the sidebar. Make sure you're in the **server root** (the same level as `server.properties` and `server.jar`). Upload `server-icon.png` here.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Start from **Console**. The icon loads on startup.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Verify in your server list [#verify-in-your-server-list]

    Open Minecraft, go to **Multiplayer**, and find your server in the list. The icon should appear to the left of your server name. If it doesn't, click the refresh button or remove and re-add the server in your favorites.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Tips for Good Icons [#tips-for-good-icons]

| Tip                                              | Why                                                                     |
| ------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Use a simple, recognizable design**            | The icon is tiny — detailed images get muddied at 64×64                 |
| **High contrast colors**                         | Helps it stand out in the server list                                   |
| **Avoid small text**                             | Anything smaller than 8px is unreadable at 64×64                        |
| **Use your community logo**                      | Even simplified, branding helps players remember you                    |
| **Test against both light and dark backgrounds** | The server list has a dark background — make sure your icon works there |
| **Transparency works**                           | PNG alpha channel is supported. Use it for non-square logos             |

Common Mistakes [#common-mistakes]

| Mistake                     | Fix                                                         |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Wrong filename**          | Must be exactly `server-icon.png` (lowercase)               |
| **Wrong size**              | Resize to **exactly** 64×64 — not 64×65, not 32×32          |
| **Wrong location**          | Must be in server root, not `world/` or any subfolder       |
| **JPG/JPEG instead of PNG** | Convert to PNG. JPG is not supported                        |
| **Server not restarted**    | The icon only loads at startup                              |
| **Cached old icon**         | Remove and re-add the server to your favorites in Minecraft |

Animated Server Icons [#animated-server-icons]

Vanilla Minecraft does **not** support animated server icons. If you've seen them before, those servers are using BungeeCord plugins like **AnimatedMOTD** that swap the icon on each ping. They only work on proxy networks.

Updating the Icon [#updating-the-icon]

To change the icon later:

1. Stop the server
2. Upload a new `server-icon.png` (overwrites the old one)
3. Start the server
4. Players may need to refresh their server list to see the new icon

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Change MOTD](/docs/minecraft/change-motd)
* [Server Properties](/docs/minecraft/server-properties)
* [Color Codes](/docs/minecraft/use-color-codes)
* [Server Name vs MOTD](/docs/minecraft/server-name-motd)