Minecraft Color Codes
The complete § color and format code list — plus a live preview generator for MOTDs, signs and chat.
| Code | Name | Hex | Preview |
|---|
Click any row to insert its code. Format codes: &l bold · &o italic · &n underline · &m strikethrough · &k obfuscated · &r reset
🌈 Gradient generator Premium
Modern &#RRGGBB works in EssentialsX-style plugins (1.16+), legacy §x in BungeeCord/older APIs, MiniMessage in Paper/Adventure plugins.
How to use
- Type your text using & codes — &6 for gold, &l for bold, and so on (or click a table row to insert one).
- Watch the live preview render exactly how it looks in game.
- Copy with § for signs, books and most plugin configs, or with & for plugins like EssentialsX that translate ampersands.
About this tool
Minecraft formats chat, signs, MOTDs, books and item names with the section sign (§) followed by a code: §6 turns text gold, §l makes it bold. Because § is hard to type, most server plugins accept & instead and convert it for you.
There are 16 colors (0–9, a–f) and 6 format codes (l, o, n, m, k, r). A color code resets active formats, so put the color first: &6&l is bold gold, while &l&6 is just gold. &r resets everything back to plain white.
Since 1.16, Java Edition also supports full hex colors in JSON text and some plugins (&#RRGGBB in EssentialsX-style syntax) — the classic 16 remain the standard for signs and vanilla chat.
FAQ
How do I type § in Minecraft?
On signs and in books you usually can't type it directly — on Windows it's Alt+21 on the numpad. Most players use & codes with a plugin, or paste § from this page (copy button above).
Why does my color code not work on a sign?
Vanilla survival signs don't process & codes — they need the real § character, and on recent versions plain § on signs requires a plugin or commands. Use the "Copy with §" button and paste.
What is the obfuscated (&k) code?
It renders constantly-scrambling characters — the "magic" effect. It's readable by nobody and mostly used for decoration.
Do these codes work in Bedrock?
Yes — Bedrock uses the same § codes, plus a few extra colors (like §g minecoin gold) that Java doesn't have.