How to Use Color and Formatting Codes in Minecraft

Reference guide for Minecraft color codes and formatting codes for MOTD, plugins, signs, and chat.

Minecraft uses special codes to add colors and formatting to text. These work in the MOTD, plugin configurations, signs (with plugins), and chat formatting.

Color Codes

Code	Color	Code	Color
`§0`	Black	`§8`	Dark Gray
`§1`	Dark Blue	`§9`	Blue
`§2`	Dark Green	`§a`	Green
`§3`	Dark Aqua	`§b`	Aqua
`§4`	Dark Red	`§c`	Red
`§5`	Dark Purple	`§d`	Light Purple
`§6`	Gold	`§e`	Yellow
`§7`	Gray	`§f`	White

Formatting Codes

Code	Effect
`§l`	Bold
`§o`	Italic
`§n`	Underline
`§m`	~~Strikethrough~~
`§k`	Obfuscated (random characters)
`§r`	Reset all formatting

Where to Use Color Codes

In server.properties (MOTD)

Use the § symbol directly:

motd=§a§lWelcome §r§7to our server!

In plugin configs

Most plugins use & instead of §:

prefix: "&6[Admin] &r"
welcome-message: "&aWelcome to the server!"

On signs (with EssentialsX)

Players with permission can use & codes on signs:

&4Warning!
&cDo not enter

In the Console

Commands in Console use § directly:

say §6§lServer restarting in 5 minutes!

💡 Tip: Most plugins use & as the color symbol since § is harder to type. Check each plugin's documentation for which symbol it uses.

📝 Note: Formatting codes must come before text. Place color before formatting (e.g., §a§l for bold green, not §l§a).

See also: Change MOTD | Setup EssentialsX

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