> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hidencloud.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hidencloud.com/minecraft/adding-a-description-to-the-server.md).

# Adding a Description to the Server

The description or "Message of the Day" (MotD) is the text that appears below the server’s name in the server list.

**Steps:**

1. **Open the `server.properties` File**:
   * Go to the root directory of your server and open the `server.properties` file using any text editor.
2. **Find the `motd` Field**:
   * In the file, look for the line that says `motd=`. This is where you can add your server’s description.
3. **Write the Description**:
   * Write the text you want to appear in the server list after `motd=`. Example:

     ```properties
     motd=Welcome to my Minecraft server!
     ```
4. **Customize with Colors and Formatting** (Optional):
   * You can use color and formatting codes with the `§` symbol followed by a number or letter. Here are some examples:

     * **§1** = Dark Blue
     * **§2** = Dark Green
     * **§4** = Dark Red
     * **§l** = Bold text
     * **§o** = Italic text

     Example of a MotD with colors:

     ```properties
     motd=§1Welcome to §2My Minecraft Server!
     ```
5. **Save the Changes**:
   * Save the `server.properties` file after editing.
6. **Restart the Server**:
   * Finally, restart your server so the changes to the MotD take effect and show up in the server list.

### Other formatting / information: 

{% embed url="<https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Formatting_codes>" %}


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