Minecraft Color Codes
All Minecraft color and formatting codes for Java and Bedrock Edition. Click any code to copy it instantly.
Color Codes
Formatting Codes
How to Use This Color Code Reference
Find the color or format you want from the tables below. Click the copy button next to it to copy the complete code to your clipboard. Paste it into your command, sign text, book, or configuration file before the text you want to style.
If you need to switch colors partway through a line, place a new color code at the point where the color should change. Add a reset code between sections when you want to cancel all previous formatting before applying a new style.
All 16 Color Codes
| Code | Color Name | Hex Value |
|---|---|---|
| §0 | Black | #000000 |
| §1 | Dark Blue | #0000AA |
| §2 | Dark Green | #00AA00 |
| §3 | Dark Aqua | #00AAAA |
| §4 | Dark Red | #AA0000 |
| §5 | Dark Purple | #AA00AA |
| §6 | Gold | #FFAA00 |
| §7 | Gray | #AAAAAA |
| §8 | Dark Gray | #555555 |
| §9 | Blue | #5555FF |
| §a | Green | #55FF55 |
| §b | Aqua | #55FFFF |
| §c | Red | #FF5555 |
| §d | Light Purple | #FF55FF |
| §e | Yellow | #FFFF55 |
| §f | White | #FFFFFF |
All 6 Formatting Codes
| Code | Effect | Description |
|---|---|---|
| §k | Obfuscated | Characters cycle through random glyphs rapidly |
| §l | Bold | Text appears heavier and slightly wider |
| §m | Strikethrough | Horizontal line passes through the text |
| §n | Underline | Line appears beneath the text |
| §o | Italic | Text leans to the right |
| §r | Reset | Cancels all active colors and formatting codes |
The Reset Code
The reset code is the most important code to understand if you are building multi-colored text strings. It resets the text to its default color (usually white) and removes all active formatting codes including bold, italic, and underline.
Without a reset, formatting from one section bleeds into the next. The correct approach is to place a reset code before applying each new color code in a mixed-color string.
Java vs Bedrock Differences
In Java Edition, the 16 color codes and 6 formatting codes listed above are the complete set available through the section sign system.
In Bedrock Edition, all the same codes are available plus the Minecoin Gold code, which applies a bright yellow used specifically for in-game currency displays. Bedrock also allows the section sign character to be entered in certain text fields directly within the game interface.
The Minecraft font generator lets you apply these colors visually and preview the result before copying. The command generator builds complete formatted commands. See the full set of Minecraft tools on the gaming page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I type the section sign symbol on a regular keyboard?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 21 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + 6. On most standard keyboards the symbol is not directly accessible, which is why copy reference tools like this page exist.
Why does my color code not show in chat?
In vanilla Java Edition, the section sign character in chat is usually stripped by the server. You need a plugin such as EssentialsX to enable colored chat for players.
What is the difference between yellow and gold?
Yellow produces a bright lemon yellow. Gold produces a darker amber color. Gold is used for many Minecraft UI elements such as the experience bar text.
Do color codes work in Minecraft command NBT strings?
No. NBT text components use a separate JSON text component system with a color field rather than section sign codes.
Can I use color codes in a Minecraft username?
No. Usernames are controlled by Mojang and Microsoft and do not support section sign codes. Colored names in multiplayer come from server plugins or permission systems.
Are there more than 16 colors available in Minecraft?
In the section sign system, 16 legacy colors are the only option. Modern Java versions support JSON text components in commands that allow any hex color, but the section sign system is limited to the 16 colors shown in the table above.