Minecraft Color and Format Codes
Java Edition legacy formatting preview. Copy codes for a compatible context; support depends on the game, field and server plugin.
Legacy Java text preview
This browser approximation uses ordinary fonts. Obfuscated text is shown with a fading effect, rather than the game’s random glyphs. Hex colors, gradients and Bedrock-specific codes are not parsed.
Choose a labeled code to copy it.
16 legacy colors
Legacy formatting
Choose the code for your context
Section codes (§) are legacy formatting sequences, not a universal way to color vanilla Java chat, signs or item names. Plugin-style ampersand codes (&) only work where a plugin or mod translates them and you have permission.
Java properties escapes (for example, \u00A7c) are literal escape text for compatible configuration readers such as Java server.properties. A JSON text component uses its own syntax, such as {"text":"Hello","color":"red"}; pasting a hex value or legacy code does not replace that syntax.
How do colors and styles interact?
In this Java legacy preview, a color code clears active styles; reset clears the color and all styles. Bold, italic, underline and strikethrough can otherwise stack.
Does this cover Bedrock?
No. Bedrock has different formatting rules and additional codes. This preview and these reset rules are scoped to Java legacy formatting.
Why does a copied code not work in game?
Check the target field, plugin documentation, permissions and edition. This page previews formatting locally and does not send messages to a game or server.