Your Minecraft server MOTD (Message of the Day) is the first thing players see in the server list. A great MOTD attracts more players and sets the tone for your server.<\/p>\n
The MOTD is the two-line message displayed below your server name in the Minecraft multiplayer server list. It supports color codes, formatting, and even custom fonts through MiniMessage format.<\/p>\n
The traditional way to add colors using the & or \u00a7 symbol:<\/p>\n
&a&lWelcome to MyServer\n&7Join now for amazing adventures!<\/code><\/pre>\nMiniMessage Format (Modern)<\/h3>\n
Adventure’s MiniMessage offers advanced formatting:<\/p>\n
<gradient:gold:yellow><bold>Epic Server<\/bold><\/gradient>\n<gray>Play now at <\/gray><aqua>play.example.com<\/aqua><\/code><\/pre>\nBest MOTD Design Practices<\/h2>\nKeep It Short & Impactful<\/h3>\n
You only have two lines and ~60 characters per line. Make every word count.<\/p>\n
Use Contrasting Colors<\/h3>\n
Bright colors on line 1, muted on line 2 works well. Avoid too many colors.<\/p>\n
Include Your IP or Key Info<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Server version (1.20+)
\n\u2022 Game mode (Survival, Skyblock, etc.)
\n\u2022 Special features or events
\n\u2022 Player count or online indicator<\/p>\n
Popular MOTD Examples<\/h2>\nSurvival Server<\/h3>\n&6&l\u2726 SURVIVAL SMP \u2726 &f1.20+\n&7Adventure awaits! &aJoin Now!<\/code><\/pre>\nPvP Server<\/h3>\n&c&l\u2694 BATTLE ARENA \u2694 &7PvP & KitPvP\n&eFight for glory! &cRanked matches live!<\/code><\/pre>\nCreative Server<\/h3>\n&b&l\u2727 CREATIVE WORLD \u2727 &fFree Plots!\n&7Build anything you imagine &a\u25c6 WorldEdit<\/code><\/pre>\nAdvanced MOTD Features<\/h2>\nGradients & Rainbow Text<\/h3>\n
MiniMessage supports beautiful gradients:<\/p>\n
<gradient:#FF6B6B:#4ECDC4>Amazing Server<\/gradient>\n<rainbow>Rainbow text here!<\/rainbow><\/code><\/pre>\nFormatting Options<\/h3>\n
\u2022 <bold><\/strong> – Bold text
\n\u2022 <italic><\/strong> – Italic text
\n\u2022 <underlined><\/strong> – Underlined text
\n\u2022 <strikethrough><\/strong> – Strikethrough text
\n\u2022 <obfuscated><\/strong> – Glitchy\/scrambled text<\/p>\nHow to Set Your MOTD<\/h2>\nIn server.properties<\/h3>\nmotd=\\u00A76\\u00A7l\u2605 MY SERVER \u2605 \\u00A77Join now!<\/code><\/pre>\nUsing Plugins<\/h3>\n
Plugins like ServerListPlus or MiniMOTD offer more features including animations and random MOTDs.<\/p>\n
MOTD Checklist<\/h2>\n
\u2705 Under 60 characters per line
\n\u2705 Clear server identity
\n\u2705 Eye-catching colors
\n\u2705 Call to action
\n\u2705 Mobile-friendly (no tiny text)
\n\u2705 Updated regularly for events<\/p>\n
Create your perfect MOTD!<\/strong> Use our free MOTD Generator Tool<\/a> with live preview and both Legacy & MiniMessage support.<\/p>\n