The game of Minecraft comes with a range of color codes, which are also known as Minecraft formatting codes. These codes allow users to customize their Minecraft modifications and text with any color they want. The color codes start with &0-9 followed by a combination of letters between a and f. They should be written before the text in question. Messages sent to players from the server can also be color coded in this manner, which allows for different colored text for different purposes.


A section sign (§) and a hex digit written into a message issues a command to the client, telling it to change the colors of the displayed message. It is also possible to format text by using the section sign and following it with a characters. These color codes can be used for just about anything including books, command blocks, names of servers, and the server welcome message (known as the Message of the Day or MOTD). You can even use them on signs, and for the names of worlds and players! Using differently colored text like this is a great way for a server owner to draw some attention to their server.

How to Write a Section Sign

If you’re using Windows then you can type § by typing Alt+21, or Alt+0167. The numbers should be written with the number pad for it to work. If using a Mac US keyboard then type ⌥ Option+6 (⌥ Option+5 for US Extended). If using Linux then activate the compose key and type Composeso.

Of course, you can just copy the character from our article and paste it using Ctrl+V wherever you need it. Given that the & symbol may not work too well in the chat bar of Minecraft or with the GUI of command blocks, it’s best to try using §.

Minecraft Color codes

Now you understand how simple it is to customize the color of your text both in game and in customization files through these color and formatting codes!

§r is a command used to reset the format of text written after it. If you were to write §mAAA§rBBB would display as AAABBB.


Minecraft Formatting codes

There are some format codes supported by Minecraft. Much like color codes, each of these codes starts with the § symbol, followed by letters or numbers. The different letters and numbers cause different effects. Below is a look at the different codes and effects they have.

Here is a list of the different format codes you can use in Minecraft:

§L - Bold
§o - Italics
§n - Underlined
§m - Stroked
§k -
§r - Reset

Minecraft Servers MOTD codes

Using codes in and pack.mcmeta

If you want to color the MOTD or format it then use \u00A7 instead of an § symbol. So the code §5 would instead be written as \u00A75. You can find a full list of codes below. Colors can also be used alongside formatting, but you must format the text after inputting the color for it to work.

\u00A7l - Bold
\u00A7o - Italics
\u00A7n - Underlined
\u00A7m - Stroked
\u00A7k - Obfuscated
\u00A7r - Reset

Other Functions

Use codes in custom language packs

You can use these formatting codes to color names and descriptions within language files through the § symbol. Write the symbol first, and then follow it up with the numbers/letters above. It can also be used in credits.txt and end.txt. One example of this is using the code §bDiamond§r to make the name of diamonds appear as “Diamond”.

Use code for world names

With some help from an external tool like NBTExplorer, you can apply custom colors and formatting codes to world names. To modify the color of your world name, choose the LevelName tag in the level.dat file of the world. In our example, the LevelName is set as:



You can also rename the folder of the world to include one of the codes. You can see the chosen color for yourself in the world selection menu.

You can also find a resource pack that contains § in the world name. Create a world with this resource pack and change the color code to get the desired effect with minimal fuss.


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About it was created to give our visitors the best methods and practices to change the color text in the game. On this page you can find chat text editing methods, server name (MOTD), world name, formatting codes (write text in bold, italics, underline, streaked and so on). You will also find much other useful information to help customizations your game.

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