How do I change the MOTD / server description with colours?

The MOTD is the little description players see next to your server in their multiplayer list. You set it in server.properties, and with colour codes you can make it stand out. Here's how.

Editing the MOTD

Open server.properties in the Files tab and edit the motd= line to whatever text you want. Save and restart for it to appear in the server list.

Adding colours and formatting

For colours and formatting, use section-sign codes — the § symbol followed by a colour code (for example, §6 for gold). If you have a plugin that translates them, you can also use &-style codes.

1. In server.properties, edit the motd= line.
2. Insert § followed by a colour code before the text you want coloured (e.g. §6 for gold).
3. For a two-line MOTD, some versions accept \n between the lines.
4. Save and restart.

Tip: For richer control — per-player messages, animated MOTDs, easier colour entry — a dedicated MOTD plugin gives you far more than server.properties alone.

Frequently asked questions

My colour codes show as literal text — why? You likely used & codes without a plugin to translate them. Use the § symbol directly in server.properties, or install a MOTD plugin that reads & codes.

Can I have two lines? Yes on many versions — use \n in the motd= value to split it into two lines.

Want per-player or animated MOTDs? That's beyond server.properties — install a MOTD plugin from the Plugins tab for those features.