In Minecraft Bedrock, a text field uses § followed by a formatting code. For example, §c starts red text and §r resets formatting. A chat message can use tellraw with a rawtext object. These examples are for Bedrock; Java Edition uses a different text-component syntax.

On this page
Colored code blocks and a multicolored Minecraft text line
Original TextFizz illustration, not an in-game screenshot.

Start with one message

To send the message to yourself:

/tellraw @s {"rawtext":[{"text":"§aBase ready§r. Meet at the entrance."}]}

The rawtext list contains one component here. Its text key holds the full sentence. Green begins before Base ready; the reset ends that formatting. Enter the command on one line in a world where you have permission to run it.

Useful codes

Code Effect
§a Green
§b Light blue
§c Red
§e Yellow
§f White
§l Bold
§r Reset formatting

Use the Minecraft color tool to inspect the palette and compose a line. Test a short fragment before adding formatting to a long message.

Why &c may appear literally

The & and § characters are different. Some plugins and server tools define ampersand-based shortcuts. That does not make them universal Bedrock rawtext syntax. Microsoft's examples use § or its Unicode escape, §.

Before moving a string between tools, identify its destination: a JSON command, a game field or a particular plugin configuration. The destination determines which notation it accepts.

Yourself or everyone

In the example, @s targets the command executor. @a targets all players. On a shared server, choose the intended recipient and check your permissions before testing a message.

For a group build, a short colored message can mark a completed section. Use the circle building guide to plan the base and the circle generator for its outline.

Common problems

  • Invalid JSON. Check double quotes, braces and brackets. Smart quotation marks are not JSON quotes.
  • The rest of the message stays colored. Add §r at the reset point.
  • You see &c. The field is not interpreting that plugin-style shortcut.
  • Java rejects the example. This is Bedrock rawtext; do not mix edition syntax.

Keep a working template

Save a short working command first. Change its words, then add the next formatting code. Account names have different restrictions from command text; see the Minecraft username guide. More building and setup topics are in the Minecraft section.

Sources