Why Server Chat Deserves a Makeover
Minecraft multiplayer thrives on communication. Whether you are coordinating a build, trading resources, or just sharing a laugh, the chat window is your lifeline. Yet out of the box, the chat format is painfully basic:
Meet Beautified Chat [Server]
Beautified Chat [Server] is exactly what its name promises. It is a highly configurable server-side mod that overhauls the in-game chat for every connected player, without requiring them to install anything on their own clients. As long as the mod sits in your server’s mod folder and you have the required library mod Collective installed, the transformation is automatic. Players join and instantly see a cleaner, more informative chat layout.
The mod’s default behavior replaces the vanilla <Username> Message format with Timestamp | Username: Message. A 24-hour clock appears before every message, usernames get a fresh colour, and the message text itself becomes crisp white. The result is a chat that feels modern and is much easier to scan, especially during busy sessions. And if the default look does not match your server’s theme, nearly every element can be tweaked through a simple configuration file.
What Makes It Stand Out
Beyond the basic formatting, Beautified Chat [Server] introduces a rank system that adds a whole new layer of identity. Starting with version 3.0, you can create custom ranks, assign them to players, and even set name colours based on those ranks. This means your admins can glow in red, your VIPs can shine in gold, and your builders can sport a calm green, all without touching a single client-side resource pack. The rank title appears before the username, making roles instantly recognizable.
Another thoughtful touch is the priority system. When a player has a rank colour set, it overrides the default username colour, so important staff members never blend into the crowd. The mod also respects compatibility with its client counterpart, Beautified Chat [Client]. If a player does happen to have the client version installed, the server-side settings take priority, ensuring a consistent experience for everyone.
Diving Into Configuration
All the magic happens inside the config file. Here are the key options you can adjust, along with their default values:
- chatMessageFormat (default: "%timestamp% | %username%: %chatmessage%"): The template for every chat line. Use the variables %timestamp%, %username%, and %chatmessage% to build any layout you like. Removing %timestamp% hides the clock entirely.
- timestampFormat (default: "HH:mm"): Controls how the time appears. Stick with 24-hour format, add seconds ("HH:mm:ss"), or switch to AM/PM with "hh:mm a".
- showRankTitles (default: true): When enabled, the rank name defined in /bcs rank appears before the player’s name.
- useRankColours (default: true): Lets the rank’s assigned colour take over as the username colour.
- rankTitleFormat (default: "[%rank] "): The exact formatting of the rank prefix. You can change brackets to anything you prefer.
- chatTimestampColour (default: 8, dark gray): The colour of the timestamp. Values range from 0 (black) to 15 (white), covering all classic Minecraft dye colours.
- chatUsernameColour (default: 2, dark green): The base colour for usernames without a rank colour override.
- chatMessageColour (default: 15, white): The colour of the actual message text.
- chatOtherSymbolsColour (default: 7, gray): The colour of separators, brackets, and any static symbols in the chat format.
These options give you complete creative control. Want a minimalist chat with just a colon and no timestamp? Set chatMessageFormat to "%username%: %chatmessage%" and you are done.
Commands That Put You in Charge
Managing ranks and player assignments is handled through a handful of in-game commands, all accessible with cheat permissions. The base command is /bcs (or /beautifiedchatserver). Here is what you can do:
- /bcs rank create <rank-name> <colour> – Create a new rank or update an existing one with a specific chat colour.
- /bcs rank remove <rank-name> – Delete a rank you no longer need.
- /bcs rank list – Display all current ranks and their colours.
- /bcs player add <player-name> <rank-name> – Assign a rank to a player.
- /bcs player remove <player-name> <rank-name> – Remove a specific rank from a player.
- /bcs player list – See every player who has been given a rank.
With these commands, you can build a full hierarchy in minutes. For example, create a "Moderator" rank with colour 12 (red) and assign it to your staff. The next time they speak, their name glows red and a [Moderator] tag appears right in the chat line.
Easy Setup and Seamless Integration
Getting the mod onto your server is straightforward. Download the Beautified Chat [Server] jar file along with its dependency, Collective, and place both into your server’s mods folder. After a restart, the mod is active. If you manage multiple mods and want a smoother workflow, consider using a modern launcher that handles mod installation for you. For instance, this mod can be easily installed via the foxygame.net launcher — a convenient, flexible, and modern Minecraft launcher where you can download mods right from the menu, saving you the hassle of manual file transfers. Once the mod is loaded, all configuration happens through the generated config file, and changes take effect without any client-side fuss.
Because Beautified Chat [Server] is purely server-side, it works flawlessly with vanilla clients. Players on any platform that can connect to your server will see the beautified chat immediately. There is no risk of version mismatches or broken interfaces, and the mod is safe to include in any modpack, provided the download stays within the CurseForge ecosystem. The author’s website and GitHub repository offer additional guidance and issue tracking for those who want to dig deeper.
Why Your Server Needs This Mod
Chat is the voice of your community. A cluttered, unstyled chat can make conversations feel chaotic, while a well-formatted one encourages engagement and helps players feel at home. Beautified Chat [Server] transforms that basic text box into a clear, branded communication channel. Timestamps bring order to discussions, colours add personality, and ranks give your staff the visibility they deserve. All of this happens without asking your players to install anything extra.
Whether you run a small survival world with friends or a bustling public network, taking control of chat aesthetics is a small change with a big impact. The mod’s extensive configurability means it adapts to your vision, not the other way around. Try it out, tweak the colours to match your server’s theme, and watch your chat come alive.
--- **Update Jul 2, 2026:** Added 1 file for version 26.2 (Fabric).