ColorMessage
If you run a Minecraft server and want to make your chat stand out, ColorMessage is the perfect lightweight plugin. Instead of the default white text that blends into the background, this add-on lets you assign any of 15 vibrant colors to your messages. Whether you are an admin making announcements or a player expressing yourself, ColorMessage brings a new level of clarity and personality to your server.
What Is ColorMessage for Minecraft?
ColorMessage is a server-side plugin designed for Bukkit and Spigot platforms. It was inspired by the popular PocketMine plugin of the same name, ported to the Java Edition to give server owners the same flexibility. The core idea is simple: instead of sending plain white messages, you can use color tags to output text in aqua, black, blue, dark aqua, dark blue, dark gray, dark green, dark purple, dark red, gold, gray, green, light purple, red, and yellow. The plugin reads these tags from a configuration file, so you can set up custom messages for join alerts, broadcasts, or any server command output.
Key Features of ColorMessage
ColorMessage is intentionally minimalistic, focusing on one task and doing it well. Here are the standout features:
- 15 distinct colors – Choose from aqua, black, blue, dark aqua, dark blue, dark gray, dark green, dark purple, dark red, gold, gray, green, light purple, red, and yellow.
- Server-side only – No mods or resource packs required for players. The plugin works entirely on the server, so anyone can see the colored messages without extra downloads.
- Easy configuration – All color assignments are managed through a simple
config.ymlfile. Just edit, save, and restart the server. - Inspired by PocketMine – The concept was ported from the PocketMine-MP plugin ecosystem, bringing familiar functionality to Bukkit/Spigot servers.
- Lightweight and focused – No bloat, no unnecessary features. It does one job: coloring your chat messages.
How to Install ColorMessage on Your Server
Getting started with ColorMessage for Minecraft is straightforward. Follow these steps to install the plugin and begin sending colorful messages right away.
Step 1: Download ColorMessage
First, you need to download ColorMessage from a trusted source. Make sure you grab the correct version that matches your server’s Minecraft version (1.21.x is supported). If you use a launcher like foxygame.net, you can find ColorMessage in the built-in add-on catalog and install it with a single click, which automatically handles version compatibility and updates.
Step 2: Upload the Plugin File
Place the downloaded .jar file into your server’s plugins folder. If you are using a hosting panel, you can often upload it directly through the file manager. For manual installations, use an FTP client or your server’s control panel.
Step 3: Restart the Server
Restart your Minecraft server to generate the default configuration. The plugin will create a folder called ColorMessage inside the plugins directory, containing a config.yml file.
Step 4: Configure Your Colors
Open config.yml with a text editor. You will see a list of color names and their corresponding color codes. Simply change the color name next to each message key to the desired color. For example, to make the default chat color dark aqua, set color: dark_aqua. Save the file and restart the server again to apply the changes.
Using ColorMessage in Your Server
Once installed, ColorMessage works automatically. Any message that uses the configured color tag will appear in that color. You can also use the plugin with other chat management tools to create a fully customized chat experience. Because it is server-side, players do not need to install anything extra, and the colors will display correctly in their vanilla Minecraft client.
Permissions and Compatibility
ColorMessage is designed to be simple and does not add complex permission nodes. It runs on Bukkit and Spigot servers, supporting Minecraft versions 1.21.x and later. Note that this is a server-side plugin only; it does not function as a client mod. The developer has announced that after May 2, 2026, the plugin will no longer receive updates, but it will continue to work on compatible server versions. If you are looking for a stable, no-fuss way to add color to your server messages, this plugin remains a solid choice.
Why Choose ColorMessage?
Many chat plugins are overloaded with features you may never use. ColorMessage strips everything back to the essentials. It is perfect for server owners who want to highlight important announcements, differentiate staff messages, or simply add a splash of personality to the chat. The configuration is so simple that even beginners can set it up in minutes. Plus, because it is server-side, you avoid the hassle of making sure every player has the right mod installed.
If you are ready to move beyond plain white text, download ColorMessage today and give your Minecraft server the colorful chat it deserves.