What is the difference between & and § codes?

They are the same codes with a different prefix. The section sign (§) is what Minecraft uses internally; the ampersand (&) is the easier-to-type form most plugins and config files accept and translate to § automatically.

How do I type the § symbol?

You usually do not have to — write the & form and let the server convert it. If you need the literal § character, copy it from the generator above or use the Unicode escape \u00A7 in files.

Why are my color codes not working?

The most common causes are using & where the file needs §, a plugin that strips colors for that message, or a permission that blocks colored chat. Files like server.properties need the § form (or the \u00A7 escape).

Do these codes work in Bedrock Edition?

Bedrock supports the same color and formatting codes, with a few additions in newer versions. The core 16 colors and the bold/italic/reset formats behave the same way.

Minecraft Color Codes

Minecraft uses single-character codes to color and style text. Each one is a section sign (§) or ampersand (&) followed by a character — §6 turns text gold, §l makes it bold. Most servers and config files accept the & form and convert it for you.

The list below is every code there is, with its color swatch and hex value. Use the generator underneath to build a string by clicking, then copy whichever form your server expects.

Your text

Welcome to my server

&6Welcome to &lmy server

§6Welcome to §lmy server

Color	& code	§ code	Hex
Black	`&0`	`§0`	`#000000`
Dark Blue	`&1`	`§1`	`#0000AA`
Dark Green	`&2`	`§2`	`#00AA00`
Dark Aqua	`&3`	`§3`	`#00AAAA`
Dark Red	`&4`	`§4`	`#AA0000`
Dark Purple	`&5`	`§5`	`#AA00AA`
Gold	`&6`	`§6`	`#FFAA00`
Gray	`&7`	`§7`	`#AAAAAA`
Dark Gray	`&8`	`§8`	`#555555`
Blue	`&9`	`§9`	`#5555FF`
Green	`&a`	`§a`	`#55FF55`
Aqua	`&b`	`§b`	`#55FFFF`
Red	`&c`	`§c`	`#FF5555`
Light Purple	`&d`	`§d`	`#FF55FF`
Yellow	`&e`	`§e`	`#FFFF55`
White	`&f`	`§f`	`#FFFFFF`

How to use

Type your message in the text box.
Click a color or format button to insert its code at the end.
Check the live preview to see how it will look in-game.
Copy the & version for most plugins, or the § version for files that need it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between & and § codes?: They are the same codes with a different prefix. The section sign (§) is what Minecraft uses internally; the ampersand (&) is the easier-to-type form most plugins and config files accept and translate to § automatically.
How do I type the § symbol?: You usually do not have to — write the & form and let the server convert it. If you need the literal § character, copy it from the generator above or use the Unicode escape \u00A7 in files.
Why are my color codes not working?: The most common causes are using & where the file needs §, a plugin that strips colors for that message, or a permission that blocks colored chat. Files like server.properties need the § form (or the \u00A7 escape).
Do these codes work in Bedrock Edition?: Bedrock supports the same color and formatting codes, with a few additions in newer versions. The core 16 colors and the bold/italic/reset formats behave the same way.