This is our Minecraft MOTD generator. We will walk you through how to design your server’s Message of the Day, add colors and formatting, and get a ready-to-use code you can paste directly into your server.properties file.
MOTD stands for “Message of the Day.” It is the two-line text that appears in the Minecraft multiplayer server list next to your server name. A well-designed MOTD helps your server stand out and tells players what to expect before they even connect.
This tool supports all 16 Minecraft color codes and 6 formatting options including bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, obfuscated (magic text), and reset. You type your text into the two line fields, click a color or formatting button to insert the code at your cursor position, and the live preview updates in real time. When you are done, copy the escaped MOTD string and paste it as the motd= value in your server.properties file.
Minecraft MOTD Generator
Design your server's Message of the Day with colors, formatting, and live preview.
How to Use the MOTD Generator
Start by typing your server’s first line of text in the Line 1 field. This is typically your server name or a welcome message. After that, type your second line in Line 2. This line usually includes your server IP, a tagline, or the current game mode.
To add color, click one of the 16 color buttons below the input fields. This inserts a section sign code (for example, the code for green) directly into the line your cursor is in. From here, any text after that code will appear in the selected color until another code is used.
To add formatting like bold or italic, click the corresponding button in the Formatting row. You can combine colors and formatting by placing a color code first and then a formatting code right after it.
The live preview below the inputs shows exactly how your MOTD will look in the Minecraft server list. When you are satisfied with the result, click “Copy MOTD Code” to copy the properly escaped string. Open your server.properties file, find the motd= line, and paste the copied code as the value.
What Is This Tool For
This tool is for anyone running a Minecraft Java Edition server who wants to customize the text players see in the server list. Instead of manually typing out section sign codes and guessing how they look, you can design your MOTD visually and copy the finished result.
Server owners use MOTDs to display the server name, IP address, current events, game modes, version numbers, or seasonal messages. The generator handles the proper escaping for the server.properties format, so you do not need to worry about special characters breaking your config file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file do I paste the MOTD code into?
Paste the copied code into your server.properties file on the motd= line. If you are using a hosting provider like SimpleGameHosting, you can edit this file from your server’s control panel.
Can I use more than two lines?
No. Minecraft server MOTDs are limited to two lines. This is a Minecraft limitation, not a tool limitation.
Do MOTD colors work on Bedrock Edition?
No. This tool generates Java Edition MOTD formatting codes. Bedrock Edition servers use a different format.
What does the obfuscated/magic formatting do?
The obfuscated formatting code makes text rapidly cycle through random characters. It creates a scrambled visual effect in the server list. It is often used sparingly for decoration.
Do I need to restart my server after changing the MOTD?
Yes. After saving the updated server.properties file, you will need to restart your server for the new MOTD to appear.