# How to change the server list message (MOTD)

> Set the text players see under your server name in the multiplayer list, with colours and formatting.

Source: https://fadehost.com/docs/server-list-message/

The server list message is the text under your server's name in the multiplayer screen: two lines, colours and formatting allowed.

## Change it

1. **Settings**, **Server**, **Server list message**.
2. Type the text. Colours and styles use section codes: `§a` green, `§b` aqua, `§6` gold, `§l` bold, `§n` underline, `§r` reset. A new line is `\n`.
3. Save and restart; the message is read when the server starts.

The [MOTD generator](/tools/motd-generator/) builds it with a live preview and copies the exact text.

## While the server sleeps

A hibernating server keeps its place in the list and shows its own message: that the server is asleep and joining wakes it. Your text returns when it is up. See [Server hibernation](/docs/hibernation/).

## Server icon

The 64 by 64 icon next to the message is set on the server page; the panel offers ready-made pixel-art icons or your own PNG.

## Good to know

- Bedrock players on a crossplay server see the message too, without the formatting codes Bedrock does not know.
- The message is also what the [join page](/docs/hibernation/) and the status bot show.