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MOTDCustomizationColors2 min read
Customize the MOTD (server message)
Change the message displayed in the Minecraft server list with colors and formatting.
What is the MOTD?
The MOTD (Message of the Day) is the text shown below your server name in the Minecraft multiplayer server list. It's the first thing players see.
Change the MOTD
Method 1: server.properties
- Open
server.propertiesin the panel file manager - Edit the
motdline:
properties
motd=\u00a7b\u00a7lBaires Host \u00a77- \u00a7aSurvival 1.21\n\u00a77Join now and start your adventure!- Save and restart
Method 2: Using a plugin (ServerListPlus, MiniMOTD)
For advanced MOTDs with animations, player count customization, and per-player messages, use a plugin like MiniMOTD:
- Download MiniMOTD from Modrinth
- Upload to
plugins/ - Restart and edit
plugins/MiniMOTD/main.conf
Color codes
Use \u00a7 followed by a code:
| Code | Color | Code | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Black | l | Bold |
| 1 | Dark Blue | m | ~~Strikethrough~~ |
| 2 | Dark Green | n | Underline |
| 3 | Dark Aqua | o | Italic |
| 4 | Dark Red | r | Reset |
| 5 | Purple | ||
| 6 | Gold | ||
| 7 | Gray | ||
| 8 | Dark Gray | ||
| 9 | Blue | ||
| a | Green | ||
| b | Aqua | ||
| c | Red | ||
| d | Pink | ||
| e | Yellow | ||
| f | White |
Line break
Use \\n to create a second line:
properties
motd=\u00a7aFirst line\n\u00a77Second lineTips
- The MOTD supports a maximum of 2 lines
- Each line can be up to 45 characters before being cut off in most clients
- Use an online MOTD generator to preview colors before applying
- Paper servers support MiniMessage format in some plugins for hex colors
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