Every Minecraft Color and Formatting Code for Chat and Signs

Minecraft allows players to customize text in a variety of ways using a system of color and formatting codes. Whether you are managing a high-traffic multiplayer server, writing an adventure book for a custom map, or simply want your name to stand out on a sign, understanding how these codes work is essential.

In Minecraft, text customization relies primarily on the section sign symbol (§). This special character, followed by a specific letter or number, tells the game to change the appearance of any text that follows it.

Quick Reference for Classic Minecraft Color Codes

For most players, these sixteen colors are the foundation of text customization. These work in signs, books, and server configurations.

Understanding the Difference Between § and & Symbols

A common point of confusion among new players and server owners is when to use the section sign (§) versus the ampersand (&).

The Section Sign (§)

This is the internal character used by the Minecraft engine. It is the "native" way to trigger a color change. In Minecraft Bedrock Edition (PE, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Windows 10), you can often type or paste this symbol directly into signs, books, and world names. However, in Minecraft Java Edition, the game prevents players from typing the § symbol directly into the chat bar to prevent unauthorized text formatting.

The Ampersand (&)

Because the § symbol is difficult to type, most multiplayer server plugins (such as EssentialsX, LuckPerms, or DeluxeMenus) allow players and admins to use the ampersand (&) as a substitute. For example, typing &6Hello in a server chat will be converted by the plugin into §6Hello, displaying as gold text. If you are playing on a vanilla Java server without plugins, the & symbol will usually not work.

Formatting Codes for Text Styles

Beyond simple colors, Minecraft provides several formatting codes to change the "weight" and style of your text. These can be combined with color codes to create unique visual effects.

• §k (Obfuscated): This creates "magic" text. It displays as a series of rapidly changing characters that are impossible to read. It is frequently used in lore books or mysterious server messages.
• §l (Bold): Makes the text thicker and more prominent.
• §m (Strikethrough): Draws a horizontal line through the center of the text.
• §n (Underline): Adds a line beneath the text.
• §o (Italic): Tilts the text to the right.
• §r (Reset): This is perhaps the most important code. It removes all previous colors and formatting, returning the text to the default style (usually white and unformatted).

Bedrock Edition Exclusive Material Colors

In the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft, developers introduced several additional color codes specifically designed for certain UI elements and brand-related text. These are not available in the Java Edition.

Note: The §m code in Bedrock behaves as Material Redstone color, whereas in Java Edition, §m is the formatting code for strikethrough.

Rules for Combining Codes

When using multiple codes together, the order in which you place them is critical. If you do not follow these rules, your formatting might "disappear."

The Color-First Rule

In Minecraft Java Edition, a color code always resets any formatting codes that came before it. If you want Bold Gold text, you must put the color code first.

• Correct: §6§lBold Gold Text (Color then Bold)
• Incorrect: §l§6This will just be Gold (The §6 resets the §l)

In Bedrock Edition, this rule is more relaxed, and formatting codes often persist even after a color change, but following the "color-first" habit ensures compatibility across all versions and platforms.

Using the Reset Code (§r)

Always use §r when you want to switch back to normal text mid-sentence.

• Example: §cWarning: §rPlease enter the portal. The "Warning:" part will be red, while the rest of the sentence returns to the default white.

How to Type the Section Sign (§) on All Devices

Since the § symbol isn't on a standard keyboard, you need to use specific shortcuts or methods depending on your platform.

Windows

• Alt Code: Hold the Alt key and type 21 or 0167 on the numeric keypad.
• Registry Hack: Some players enable the Hex Numpad in the Windows Registry to type Unicode symbols more easily.

macOS

• US Keyboard: Press Option + 6.
• US Extended Keyboard: Press Option + 5.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

1. Open the on-screen keyboard.
2. Tap the 123 button.
3. Find the ampersand & key.
4. Press and hold the & key until a pop-up appears.
5. Slide your finger to select the § symbol.

Android (Gboard/Samsung)

• Gboard: Go to the symbols menu (?123 then =\<). The § symbol is usually found there.
• Samsung Keyboard: Long-press the s key to find the § symbol.

Xbox

1. Open the virtual keyboard.
2. Navigate to the paragraph mark ¶.
3. Hold the A button (or the equivalent select button) until other options appear.
4. Select §.

Nintendo Switch

1. Access the keyboard.
2. Select the globe icon to change languages.
3. Scroll to the "Symbols" section.
4. The § symbol is located on the second page of symbols.

Advanced Text Formatting with HEX Codes (Java 1.16+)

Since Java Edition 1.16, Minecraft has supported "True Color" or HEX colors. This allows for millions of colors instead of just the classic sixteen. However, these cannot be used with the simple § symbol in chat or on signs. Instead, they must be used within JSON text components.

HEX codes are primarily used in:

• Commands: Such as /tellraw, /title, and /give.
• Server Files: motd in server.properties (using Unicode escapes).
• Data Packs: For custom items and advancements.

The format for a HEX color in a command looks like this: {"text":"Custom Color","color":"#FF55CC"}

To use these in a server's MOTD (the description that appears in the server list), you must use the Unicode escape sequence for the section sign, which is \u00A7, followed by an x and then each character of the HEX code preceded by another \u00A7.

Example for HEX #FFAA00 in MOTD: \u00A7x\u00A7F\u00A7F\u00A7A\u00A7A\u00A70\u00A70Your Server Name

Practical Applications for Players and Admins

Renaming Items in an Anvil

In Bedrock Edition, you can use the § codes directly in an anvil to rename your sword or pickaxe. For example, renaming a sword to §bExcalibur will give it a glowing aqua name. In Java Edition, this requires a command or an external NBT editor.

Creating Decorative Signs

Signs are the most common place for color codes. On Bedrock, simply type §4DANGER on the first line to make it red. On Java servers, you may need a plugin like "EssentialsX Sign" which allows you to use &4DANGER instead.

Writing Books and Quills

Formatting a "Book and Quill" is a great way to create immersive lore. You can use §l for headers and §o for character dialogue. Remember that the character limit per page includes the hidden color codes, so a heavily formatted book might fit less text.

Server MOTD and "Message of the Day"

The MOTD is the first thing players see in their server list. Using colors helps your server look professional.

• Standard Colors: Use § or \u00A7 codes.
• Centering Text: There is no "center" code; you must use spaces to manually align the text.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My codes are appearing as text (e.g., "§cHello")

This usually happens for one of two reasons:

1. Java Edition Chat: You cannot use § codes in standard Java chat without a plugin.
2. Plugin Conflict: Some server plugins have their own unique syntax for colors (e.g., using {RED} instead of &c). Check your server's documentation.

The color changes, but the bold/italic disappears

Refer back to the Color-First Rule. If you write §l§cHello, the §c (red) will cancel out the §l (bold). Change it to §c§lHello.

Obfuscated text (§k) is flickering too much

This is intended behavior. The characters cycle based on their width. An "i" will only cycle through narrow characters, while an "m" will cycle through wide characters.

Summary of Minecraft Text Customization

Color and formatting codes are a powerful tool for enhancing the Minecraft experience. While the Bedrock Edition makes these codes more accessible to the average player through direct input, the Java Edition offers immense power through JSON and HEX integration for developers and server admins. By mastering the section sign (§), the formatting rules, and the platform-specific input methods, you can transform plain white text into vibrant, styled content that captures attention.

FAQ

Can I use color codes in my Minecraft username?

No. Minecraft usernames are restricted to alphanumeric characters and underscores. You cannot include the § symbol in your official account name. However, many servers allow you to set a "Nickname" using a command like /nick, which supports color codes.

How do I make rainbow text in Minecraft?

There is no single "rainbow" code. You must apply a different color code to each letter or word manually. For example: §cR§6a§ei§an§bb§9o§dw.

Do color codes work on signs in Java Edition?

In vanilla Java Edition, you cannot type the § symbol onto a sign. You must use a command (like /setblock) to create a sign with colored text, or use a server plugin that enables & codes for signs.

What is the code for the "Magic" moving text?

The code is §k. It is officially called "Obfuscated" text.

Is there a limit to how many codes I can use?

The only limit is the character capacity of the text field (chat, sign, or book). Each code (e.g., §c) counts as two characters toward that limit, even if they are invisible once the text is rendered.