A Minecraft server MOTD (Message of the Day) is the short description displayed below a server entry in the multiplayer list. It helps players understand what the server is before they join. An MOTD can include colours and formatting, but the syntax depends on the server software. A string that works on Spigot or a proxy is not automatically valid in the vanilla Java server.properties file.
What an MOTD does
The MOTD is not a private message sent after a player joins, and players do not have to hover over the server name to see it. It appears in the server list as part of the server entry. Owners commonly use it to show the server's game mode, version, community style, event information or maintenance status.
Keep the message short and accurate. A useful MOTD tells players what kind of server they are looking at without promising features that are not available. If you advertise a limited-time event, a player count or a supported version, update the text when that information changes.
Colour codes: vanilla and plugin software differ
Minecraft's legacy formatting codes use the section sign (§) followed by a colour or style code. Common examples include §c for red, §a for green, §b for aqua, §e for yellow, §l for bold, §n for underline and §r to reset formatting.
Many server plugins and proxy configurations accept an ampersand shortcut such as &c and translate it into the section-sign format. That shortcut is not a universal vanilla syntax. The Minecraft.How MOTD Creator accepts easy-to-type codes and provides separate output formats for the official vanilla server.properties file, Spigot, BungeeCord and ServerListPlus. Choose the output that matches the software you actually run.
RGB and hex colours are not universal
Do not assume that every Java server supports RGB or hex colours. The vanilla output in the Minecraft.How MOTD Creator explicitly does not support RGB/HEX colours. Some plugin-based server software or formatting libraries offer additional colour formats, but support depends on the implementation and version. If the output format does not advertise hex support, use the standard colour palette instead.
For a reliable reference to the legacy colour and style codes, see the Minecraft Wiki formatting codes guide. It explains the section-sign codes and how they are used in Java Edition. The server.properties reference documents the motd property itself.
Use the MOTD Creator with the right output
The Minecraft.How MOTD Creator provides a live preview and lets you choose the output format. Type your text, use the formatting toolbar or enter supported shortcuts, then select the output for your server software. Do not copy the first result you see without checking the selected format.
- Vanilla Java: choose the official
server.propertiesoutput. It does not support RGB/HEX colours. - Spigot: choose the Spigot output if your server runs Spigot or a compatible setup.
- BungeeCord: use the BungeeCord configuration output for the proxy's configuration file.
- ServerListPlus: use its dedicated output format when that plugin controls your server-list description.
Paper, Velocity and other server software may have their own configuration or plugin-specific formatting rules. Do not assume that a Spigot, BungeeCord or ServerListPlus output is correct for every platform. Check the documentation for your exact server software and version.
Examples of clear MOTD layouts
Use colour to organise information rather than decorate every character. For example, a survival server might use a bold title, a short description and a version label. A minigame network could show its current event or queue status. A roleplay server might use a calmer palette and a short description of its setting.
Example text for a plugin that accepts ampersand shortcuts:
&b&lSurvival SMP &r| &aCommunity World&6&lMINIGAMES &r| &eEvents Today&dRoleplay Realm &r| &fStories Start Here
These are examples of input shortcuts, not a guarantee that the raw ampersand text can be pasted unchanged into vanilla server.properties. Generate the correct output for your server software.
Common MOTD mistakes
- Using the wrong syntax: ampersand shortcuts may need to be converted for vanilla Java or another configuration format.
- Assuming hex works everywhere: vanilla output in the MOTD Creator does not support RGB/HEX colours.
- Using too many colours: a small palette is usually easier to read than a different colour on every word.
- Leaving outdated information: remove old event dates, retired game modes and incorrect version labels.
- Making promises the server cannot keep: avoid claims such as “zero lag” or “always online” unless you can substantiate them.
- Testing only in the preview: the final result depends on the server software and the client display, so check the live server entry.
Test the MOTD on your live server
Back up the relevant configuration file before editing it. Paste the output into the correct property or plugin configuration, save the file and restart or reload the server if the software requires it. Then refresh the multiplayer list and check the server entry from a client. If the colours are missing or the text is garbled, confirm that you selected the right output format and that the server software supports the codes you used.
You can also use the Minecraft.How Server Status Checker to inspect the MOTD returned by a live Java or Bedrock server. This is a useful verification step, but it does not replace checking the display in the actual Minecraft client.
Keep the message useful
An MOTD is a small piece of server communication, not an advertisement that needs to contain every feature. Prioritise the server type, one distinctive detail and any information players need before connecting. Update it when the server changes, and keep the wording honest. A readable, accurate MOTD is more useful than a colourful message that promises something the server does not deliver.
Minecraft.How is an independent community site and is not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft.
