How to use Minecraft color codes
A color code is the section sign § followed by one character. Everything after §c is red until another code changes it, and §r resets back to normal. Formatting codes work the same way: §l for bold, §o for italic. Where you can type them depends on the edition.
| Place | Java Edition | Bedrock Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | No. § cannot be typed and disconnects you. Servers may allow & codes through a plugin. | Yes, type § codes directly. |
| Signs | No § codes. Dye the sign to colour all of it. | Yes, no dye needed. |
| Books | No (section signs cannot be typed or pasted into books). | Yes, in the text, title and author. |
| Anvil and item names | No. Use a command or plugin for coloured names. | Yes. Start with §r to remove the italics. |
| Server MOTD | Yes, in server.properties (written as \u00A7). | Accepted in server names, but most menus show them as plain text. |
| /tellraw, /title in data packs | Yes, and JSON text is the better option. | /title and /tellraw accept § codes. |
| Resource packs | Yes: language files, splashes, pack.mcmeta. | Yes: language files, splashes, loading tips. |
On Bedrock, some newer menus (built with Ore UI, such as the Play screen) show codes as plain text. Realm names and player names do not accept them at all.
Java vs Bedrock color codes
- Colour turns formatting off on Java. In
§lBold §cRed, “Red” is not bold on Java. Write the colour first and repeat the format after every colour change:§c§lRed and bold. On Bedrock, formatting stays on after a colour code. - §m and §n are colours on Bedrock. On Java they are strikethrough and underline; Bedrock has neither format and uses the codes for its redstone and copper colours.
- Two shades differ. Bedrock draws §7 gray as #C6C6C6 and, since version 26.50, §9 blue as #447FFF.
- Hex colours are Java-only. Bedrock has no way to show colours outside its code list.
Bedrock-only color codes
Bedrock Edition has extra colours, mostly added for armor trim tooltips. They do nothing on Java, where the letters are either unused or formatting codes.
| Code | Name | Hex |
|---|---|---|
§g | Minecoin Gold | #DDD605 |
§h | Quartz | #D9CCB8 |
§i | Iron | #A9B4B7 |
§j | Netherite | #8F727D |
§m | Redstone (Strikethrough on Java) | #EE222C |
§n | Copper (Underline on Java) | #C87363 |
§p | Gold (material) | #FFBF1E |
§q | Emerald | #13A045 |
§s | Diamond | #5FECFF |
§t | Lapis | #577BFF |
§u | Amethyst | #B66CDD |
§v | Resin | #FF6A00 |
§w | Party Blue (Added in 26.30) | #8CB3FF |
Hex color codes on Java
Since Java Edition 1.16, JSON text accepts any colour as "color":"#FF8800", so /tellraw, /title and data packs can use the full RGB range. In legacy text the same colour is written as §x§f§f§8§8§0§0: §x followed by each hex digit behind its own §.
Server plugins add shorter forms: EssentialsX and most chat plugins read &#FF8800, and Paper and Velocity plugins read MiniMessage, <#FF8800>. To fade between hex colours letter by letter, use the Minecraft gradient generator.
How to type the § symbol
- Windows: hold Alt and type
21on the number pad (or0167on most other keyboard layouts). - Mac: Option+6 on a US keyboard (Option+5 on US Extended).
- iPhone: open the number keys, hold
&and slide to §. On iPad, swipe down on the % key. - Android: Gboard has § in the extra symbols page (=\<); on Samsung Keyboard, hold the S key.
- Xbox and Switch: on Xbox, hold A on the ¶ or S key to find §; on Switch, use the Symbol keyboard (page 2).
Color codes in a server MOTD
The server list message in server.properties uses the same codes, written as \u00A7 so they survive the file's encoding. The MOTD generator writes that line for you with a live server list preview. For logo-style lettering as an image instead, try the Minecraft text generator.
Minecraft color code questions
What are the Minecraft color codes?
There are 16 colours, each a section sign (§) followed by a digit or letter: §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 and §f white. Bedrock adds extra colours such as §g minecoin gold.
How do you type the § symbol?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 21 or 0167 on the number pad. On a Mac with a US keyboard, press Option+6. On an iPhone, hold the & key; on Android, look in the extra symbols or hold the S key. You can also copy it from this page.
Can you use color codes in Java Edition chat?
Not in vanilla Java: the game does not let you type § in chat, and using it there disconnects you. Many servers let players use & codes instead through a chat plugin such as EssentialsX, usually behind a permission. On Bedrock you can type § codes straight into chat.
How do you make colored text on a sign?
On Bedrock, type the § code before your text on the sign, for example §cDanger. On Java you cannot type § on a sign; dye the sign to colour all of its text, or use a command or plugin to set formatted text.
How do you rename an item with colors in an anvil?
On Bedrock, type § codes into the anvil name box. §r at the start removes the default italics. Java anvils do not accept §, so coloured item names there need a command such as /give with a custom name, or a server plugin.
Why are my Minecraft color codes not working?
The usual causes: using & where the game expects § (only plugins convert &), putting a format code before a colour code on Java (a colour code turns bold, italic and the rest off, so write the colour first), a server.properties file that turned § into §, or a Bedrock menu built with the newer Ore UI, which ignores codes.
Does Minecraft support hex colors?
Java Edition does, since 1.16, but only in JSON text such as /tellraw and /title ("color":"#FF8800") and through plugins, which use formats like &#FF8800. The § codes themselves only give the 16 standard colours. Bedrock has no hex colours.