Minecraft Color Codes: How to Use Minecraft Colors
Minecraft gives players hundreds of blocks that can be used to craft items. Each one has its own texture and personality with users able to change how a block looks with different texture packs. You can even craft unique blocks like terracotta to add more color and character to your builds.
As most players will know, almost everything in Minecraft is made of blocks, except the items you craft or collect, like axes, seeds, armor, and most food items. The only object that lets you write text is a sign. However, you can also send text messages to other users while you play.
Minecraft color codes
By default, both signs and messages are displayed in white, but some versions allow you to use formatting and Minecraft color codes to change the text color on signs or in messages.
What Are Minecraft Color Codes?
Minecraft color codes let you change the color of text in the game. To use them, type the section symbol (§) followed by a number or letter, which corresponds to the specific color you want. You can use these codes on signs, chat messages, and in-game text.
The Minecraft colors and the formatting codes:
| Color | Code |
|---|---|
| Dark Red | §4 |
| Red | §c |
| Gold | §6 |
| Yellow | §e |
| Dark Green | §2 |
| Green | §a |
| Aqua | §b |
| Dark Aqua | §3 |
| Dark Blue | §1 |
| Blue | §9 |
| Light Purple | §d |
| Dark Purple | §5 |
| White | §f |
| Gray | §7 |
| Dark Gray | §8 |
| Black | §0 |
How to Use Minecraft Color Codes
The key to using Minecraft color codes is knowing which symbol to use. On the table above, the symbol is shown with each color code to make things easier for you.
- Open Minecraft.
- Start a chat or edit a sign where you can type text.
- Type the section symbol (§).
- On Windows, hold Alt and type 0167 on the numeric keypad.
- On MacOS, press Option+6.
- On mobile or console, copy and paste the symbol into the text field.
- Add the color code.
- Type your message or the label for your sign.
- Send the message or exit the sign editor.
- Your text will now appear in your selected color.
Text colors can be changed on any device that lets you enter the section symbol, and most devices that run Minecraft support it. If you’re on a mobile device that doesn’t offer the section symbol by default, consider installing a third-party keyboard that includes it. In Bedrock Edition, you can also use the ampersand (&) symbol in some cases (e.g., server plugins or command blocks), but the section symbol is the standard for Java Edition.
Where Can You Use Minecraft Color Codes?
- You can use Minecraft color codes in several parts of the game, especially in Java Edition, where most text elements support them. Support on Bedrock servers is more limited and varies by server.
- Chat messages
- Signs
- Books and quills
- Command blocks and commands (e.g., /tellraw, /title, /scoreboard)
- Server MOTD
- Team names and scoreboard objectives
- Custom item names (via anvil or commands)
Minecraft Color Codes Tips and Limitations
While Minecraft color codes are fun to use, they don’t always work the same way on every platform. Here are a few quick tips and limitations to keep in mind.
Tips
- You can combine formatting codes (e.g., §l§c Bold Red Text) for better customization.
- If your keyboard doesn’t support the section symbol, you’ll need to copy and paste it from another source.
Limitations
- In Bedrock Edition, color codes don’t work everywhere, and some servers require you to use & instead of § to apply colors or formatting in chat or commands.
- Some platforms or servers may disable color codes for security or moderation reasons, so your colored text might not appear as expected or could be automatically stripped out.
FAQs About Minecraft Color Codes
What color is &7 in Minecraft?
&7 (or §7) is the code for gray in Minecraft. It displays text in a light gray color.
What are the 16 colors in Minecraft?
The 16 standard Minecraft colors are: Black, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Dark Aqua, Dark Red, Dark Purple, Gold, Gray, Dark Gray, Blue, Green, Aqua, Red, Light Purple, Yellow, and White. Each has its own code from §0 to §f.
Can I use color codes in Minecraft commands?
Yes! There are lots of ways to use color codes with commands, such as /tellraw, /title, /scoreboard, and when naming teams or items. Use the section symbol (§) followed by the color or formatting code. On some Bedrock Edition servers or setups, certain commands may use an ampersand (&) instead of the section symbol.
How do I type the section symbol (§) on a keyboard?
- Windows: Hold Alt and type 0167 on the numeric keypad.
- MacOS: Press Option + 6 (copy and paste the section symbol if needed)
- Mobile: Either use a third-party keyboard for your phone, or copy and paste the section symbol
Conclusion
It’s easy to add color to text in Minecraft beyond the default white. The only tricky part is remembering which code matches each color, but our chart above makes that simple. After using the codes a few times, you’ll start memorizing your favorites by heart!
