# How to Use Color and Formatting Codes in Minecraft (/docs/minecraft/use-color-codes)



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 [#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 [#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 [#where-to-use-color-codes]

In server.properties (MOTD) [#in-serverproperties-motd]

Use the `§` symbol directly:

```
motd=§a§lWelcome §r§7to our server!
```

In plugin configs [#in-plugin-configs]

Most plugins use `&` instead of `§`:

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

On signs (with EssentialsX) [#on-signs-with-essentialsx]

Players with permission can use `&` codes on signs:

```
&4Warning!
&cDo not enter
```

In the Console [#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](/docs/minecraft/change-motd) | [Setup EssentialsX](/docs/minecraft/setup-essentialsx)

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