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How to change the Minecraft Java server MOTD

Learn how to change the Minecraft Java Edition MOTD in server.properties: colors with \u00A7, line breaks, ready examples and how to fix odd symbols in the server list.

Samuel AkiresCEO RoxyCloud
2 min read368 words
How to change the Minecraft Java server MOTD

The MOTD (Message of the Day) is the text that appears in the Minecraft Java Edition server list, under the world name. You change it in server.properties, without a plugin, with color and formatting support.

1. Edit server.properties

  1. Stop the server in the panel or console.
  2. Open server.properties (server files or SFTP).
  3. Find the motd= line and change the value.
  4. Save the file and start the server again.
server.properties
motd=\u00A76RoxyCloud SMP\u00A7r\n\u00A7aSurvival \u00A77| \u00A7e1.21

\n creates the second line in the multiplayer list. Use \u00A7r before the break to reset bold or color from the previous line.

2. Color and formatting codes

In server.properties, each color or effect uses \u00A7 + one character. Formatting comes after the color when you combine both.

CodeEffectCodeEffect
\u00A70Black\u00A78Dark gray
\u00A71Dark blue\u00A79Blue
\u00A72Dark green\u00A7aGreen
\u00A73Dark cyan\u00A7bCyan
\u00A74Dark red\u00A7cRed
\u00A75Dark purple\u00A7dPink
\u00A76Gold\u00A7eYellow
\u00A77Gray\u00A7fWhite
\u00A7lBold\u00A7oItalic
\u00A7nUnderline\u00A7rReset

3. Ready examples

Simple MOTD
motd=\u00A7aWelcome to our SMP!
MOTD with a bold title
motd=\u00A7c\u00A7lMY SERVER\u00A7r\n\u00A77Survival with friends
MOTD with IP on the second line
motd=\u00A7b\u00A7lRoxyCloud\u00A7r\n\u00A7eplay.yourdomain.com

4. Common mistakes

  • Using § in the file → replace with \u00A7
  • Including \u00C2 or extra characters → remove them and keep only \u00A7 + code
  • Forgetting to restart the server after saving
  • A line that is too long → shorten it; the UI cuts the text
  • Mixing MOTD with the world name (level-name is another field)

5. Advanced MOTD with a plugin (optional)

On Paper or Purpur, plugins such as MiniMOTD allow a rotating MOTD, RGB gradients and simpler editing with & in config files. For most SMPs, server.properties is enough.

If you are still bringing the server up, the RoxyCloud Minecraft Java server guide covers Paper, EULA and the rest of server.properties.

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers before you order

In the server.properties file, on the motd= line. Edit it from the hosting panel or via SFTP, save and restart the server to apply.

Usually from using § directly in the file or wrong codes such as \u00C2. In server.properties use \u00A7 followed by the color or formatting code.

The multiplayer list shows up to two lines. Use \n to break: motd=Line1\nLine2. Very long text is cut in the UI.

Yes. Changes in server.properties only apply after restarting the server process (stop/start in the panel or console).

Yes. Paper and Purpur use server.properties like vanilla. For animated or RGB MOTD, use plugins such as MiniMOTD on Paper servers.

Not for the native MOTD. & is common in plugins; in server.properties the correct format is \u00A7 (equivalent to §).

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