Minecraft Java
Minecraft Bedrock
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GeyserMC
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Quick answer
- Open
server.propertiesand edit themotd=line. - Use
§plus a code for colors (for example§afor green) and\nfor a second line. - Save and restart. Use the MOTD generator to avoid typing the codes by hand.
Change the MOTD#
- Stop the server
Edit while it is off so your changes aren't overwritten.
- Open server.properties
On FreeGameHost: Game → Server Properties, or the File Manager.
- Edit the motd line
Replace the text after
motd=. - Save and start
Refresh the server list in Minecraft to see it.
motd=§a§lMy Survival Server§r\n§7Friendly & whitelistedThat produces a bold green first line and a grey second line.
Color and formatting codes#
| Code | Effect | Code | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
§0 | Black | §8 | Dark gray |
§1 | Dark blue | §9 | Blue |
§2 | Dark green | §a | Green |
§3 | Dark aqua | §b | Aqua |
§4 | Dark red | §c | Red |
§5 | Purple | §d | Light purple |
§6 | Gold | §e | Yellow |
§7 | Gray | §f | White |
§l | Bold | §o | Italic |
§n | Underline | §m | Strikethrough |
§r | Reset all | §k | Obfuscated |
A code affects everything after it until you use §r or another color. Put the color before formatting codes like bold, and use §r to end them.
Two lines and centering#
The list shows two lines. Break the line with \n. Minecraft doesn't center text, so servers add spaces at the start to push the text toward the middle. Test in the real client because text width varies.
Keep each line short. The list cuts long lines off, and what fits depends on the player's screen width.
Bedrock server name#
Bedrock servers don't have a two-line MOTD like Java. They show the server-name value in the list. On a FreeGameHost Bedrock server, change the Server name variable on the Startup page, because the panel writes it to the file on every start.
MOTD on Paper, Velocity and BungeeCord#
- Paper: uses
motdfromserver.properties. Plugins can override it dynamically. - Velocity and BungeeCord: proxy MOTD is set in the proxy's own config and replaces the backend server's.
Common mistakes#
- Typing the § symbol directly. It may save in the wrong encoding. Use
§. - Using
&codes. Ampersand codes work only in plugins, not inserver.properties. - Forgetting to restart. The MOTD is read at start-up.
- Too many colors. Two or three colors read better than a rainbow.
Want a custom address to match your name? See the custom domain guide.
Frequently asked questions#
Where do I change the MOTD?
In server.properties, on the line starting with motd=. Save the file, then restart the server.
How do I use color codes in server.properties?
Write the section sign as the escape \u00a7, followed by the code. For example \u00a7aGreen text shows green text. The MOTD generator writes this for you.
How do I make a second line?
Add \n where the line should break. The server list shows two lines.
Why does my MOTD show strange characters?
The file saved the section sign as a plain character with the wrong encoding. Use the \u00a7 escape instead of typing the symbol.
How do I change the name of a Bedrock server?
Bedrock uses server-name. On FreeGameHost this is the Server name variable on the Startup page.
Can I use hex colors?
Plain server.properties only supports the 16 classic colors and formatting codes. Paper and some plugins add hex colors and gradients through their own config.
