MinecraftThe Message of the Day (MOTD) is the text that appears below your server name in the Minecraft multiplayer server list. Customizing your MOTD helps your server stand out and communicate important information to potential players. You can use formatting codes to add colors, styles, and special characters to make your MOTD more visually appealing.
Setting a Custom MOTD
- Navigate to the Wabbanode Control Panel and select your Minecraft server.
- Stop your server if it is currently running. You cannot modify server settings while the server is online.
- Click Settings to access your server properties.
- Scroll down to locate the MOTD field.
- Enter your custom message in the MOTD field. You can use plain text or include formatting codes to add colors and styles.
- Click Save Config at the top of the page to apply your changes.
- Start your server to load the new configuration.
Once your server restarts, the new MOTD will be visible to all players in the Minecraft server list.
Using Formatting Codes
Minecraft supports formatting codes that allow you to customize the appearance of your MOTD with colors, bold text, italics, and more. Formatting codes use the § symbol followed by a character.
Common formatting codes:
§0- Black§1- Dark Blue§2- Dark Green§3- Dark Aqua§4- Dark Red§5- Dark Purple§6- Gold§7- Gray§8- Dark Gray§9- Blue§a- Green§b- Aqua§c- Red§d- Light Purple§e- Yellow§f- White§l- Bold§o- Italic§n- Underline§r- Reset formatting
Example MOTD:
§6Welcome to §lMy Server§r §3- §aSurvival & Creative
This will display: Welcome to My Server - Survival & Creative (with gold, bold, aqua, and green colors).
For a complete list of formatting codes and additional styling options, visit the Minecraft Formatting Codes documentation.
Tips for Creating an Effective MOTD
- Keep it concise. MOTDs have a character limit and long messages may be cut off in the server list.
- Highlight key information. Use your MOTD to communicate your server type (Survival, Creative, SMP), version, or unique features.
- Use colors sparingly. Too many colors can make your MOTD difficult to read. Stick to 2-3 complementary colors for the best visual impact.
- Test your MOTD. After setting your MOTD, check how it appears in the Minecraft server list to ensure it displays correctly.
Troubleshooting
- MOTD not updating. Ensure you clicked Save Config and restarted your server. Players may also need to refresh their server list in Minecraft.
- Formatting codes not working. Make sure you are using the correct
§symbol (section sign), not a regularSor other character. You may need to copy and paste the symbol from the formatting codes documentation. - MOTD appears cut off. Try shortening your message. The MOTD field has a maximum length, and overly long messages will be truncated.
Customizing your server's MOTD allows you to create a unique identity and attract players by showcasing what makes your server special. Use formatting codes to add color and style, and keep your message clear and concise for maximum impact.
