How to Use Hex Colors in Your Minecraft Server MOTD
Add hex color codes and gradients to your Minecraft server MOTD using MiniMessage, legacy formatting, or MOTD plugins for a modern look.
Beyond the 16 Legacy Colors
Vanilla Minecraft offers only 16 color codes (0-9, a-f). Since 1.16, the client supports full RGB hex colors in chat and the MOTD. Using hex color motd minecraft formatting lets you create gradients, exact brand colors, and eye-catching server list entries that stand out.
Hex Color Formats
Vanilla server.properties
The motd line in server.properties only supports legacy section-sign codes. To use hex colors here, you need the Bukkit/Spigot escape sequence. Each hex color is written as §x followed by six individual § + hex-digit pairs. For example, the color #FF5555 becomes:
§x§F§F§5§5§5§5This is verbose, which is why most admins use a plugin instead.
MiniMessage (Paper, Velocity)
Paper-based servers support MiniMessage syntax in many places including the MOTD if you use a compatible plugin. The format is clean:
<color:#FF5555>Welcome to our server!</color>Gradients are just as easy:
<gradient:#FF5555:#5555FF>Rainbow text here</gradient>MOTD Plugins
Plugins like MiniMOTD, ServerListPlus, or CleanMOTD let you edit the MOTD from a config file with full hex color motd minecraft support. MiniMOTD is the most popular choice and supports:
- Hex colors with
#FF5555or MiniMessage tags - Gradients with start and end colors
- Multiple MOTD lines that rotate randomly
- Player count customization
- Server icon per MOTD
Choosing Colors
Pick colors that contrast well against the dark multiplayer list background. Light pastels and neon tones pop, while dark blues and browns vanish. Use a tool like coolors.co to build a palette, then apply those hex values in your MOTD config.
Gradient Tips
- Limit gradients to one line. Two gradient lines can look chaotic.
- Use analogous colors (neighbors on the color wheel) for smooth transitions.
- Test with the Minecraft client, not just a web preview, because font rendering differs.
Your hex color motd minecraft setup works best alongside a matching server logo and a well-configured MOTD. Together, they create a polished first impression in the server list.
See a professionally hosted server: Astroworld MC, IP play.astroworldmc.com, Java + Bedrock.