--- title: "How to configure chat on a Minecraft server with EssentialsX | StreetHosting" description: "Set up the chat format on your Minecraft server with EssentialsX: add rank prefixes, colors, local chat and LuckPerms integration for custom per-group messages." url: "https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx" type: "page" language: "en-US" --- Minecraft · 3 min · Intermediate Published on Jun 18, 2026 · Updated on Jun 18, 2026 # Configure chat on a Minecraft server with EssentialsX Vanilla Minecraft chat is too basic for a server with a community. With EssentialsX and EssentialsXChat you can add rank prefixes, colors and a different format for each permission group. By [Equipe StreetHosting](https://streethosting.com.br/en/autores#equipe-streethosting) · StreetHosting infrastructure and support team [Minecraft plugins](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/topics/plugins) [Community and game modes](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/topics/community) Summarize with: [](https://chat.openai.com/?q=Summarize%20the%20key%20points%20of%20this%20StreetHosting%20guide%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fstreethosting.com.br%2Fen%2Fguides%2Fminecraft%2Fconfigure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx.%20Highlight%20the%20step-by-step%20instructions%2C%20the%20prerequisites%20and%20the%20most%20common%20mistakes. "ChatGPT") [](https://claude.ai/new?q=Summarize%20the%20key%20points%20of%20this%20StreetHosting%20guide%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fstreethosting.com.br%2Fen%2Fguides%2Fminecraft%2Fconfigure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx.%20Highlight%20the%20step-by-step%20instructions%2C%20the%20prerequisites%20and%20the%20most%20common%20mistakes. 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Download both from the EssentialsX website (essentialsx.net) and put them both in the plugins folder: * **EssentialsX.jar**: the main plugin with all the commands * **EssentialsXChat.jar**: the chat formatting module After you restart the server with both, EssentialsXChat intercepts every chat message and applies the format set in _config.yml_. ## Default chat format[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#formato-padrao) In the EssentialsX **config.yml** file (in plugins/Essentials/), find the `chat` section and set the `format`: `format: '<{DISPLAYNAME}> {MESSAGE}'` The available variables: * `{DISPLAYNAME}`: name with the LuckPerms prefix and suffix * `{USERNAME}`: plain username with no formatting * `{MESSAGE}`: the message the player sent * `{WORLD}`: name of the world the player is currently in Use `{DISPLAYNAME}` instead of `{USERNAME}` so the prefixes and suffixes set in LuckPerms show up in chat automatically. ## Prefixes with LuckPerms[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#prefixos-luckperms) LuckPerms integrates with EssentialsXChat to show group prefixes and suffixes in chat. To set a group's prefix: 1. Set the prefix for the member group: `/lp group membro meta setprefix "&7[Membro] "` 2. Set the prefix for the VIP group: `/lp group vip meta setprefix "&6[VIP] "` 3. Set the prefix for Admin: `/lp group admin meta setprefix "&c[Admin] "` The prefixes show up in chat automatically when the format uses `{DISPLAYNAME}`. For the full setup of groups and permissions, see the [LuckPerms](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/luckperms-minecraft-setup) guide. ## Colors and formatting[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#cores-formatacao) Minecraft uses formatting codes with the **&** symbol. The main ones: * `&0` to `&f`: colors (black to white) * `&a` green, `&c` red, `&e` yellow, `&6` gold * `&l` bold, `&o` italic, `&n` underline * `&r` reset formatting Control who can use colors in chat with LuckPerms permissions: * `essentials.chat.color`: allows using colors in chat * `essentials.chat.format`: allows full formatting (bold, italic) On Minecraft 1.16 or later, you can also use HEX colors (such as #FF5733) through the `&#RRGGBB` code in some chat plugins. This greatly expands your visual customization options, but it requires modern plugins that support the format. ## Proximity-based local chat[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#chat-local) For RPG or more immersive survival servers, a distance-based chat creates a more realistic experience where players only see messages from people who are nearby: EssentialsX has basic support for local chat through the `radius` field in the chat config.yml. For more advanced local chat with multiple channels and different ranges, though, specialized plugins such as **VentureChat** or **LocalChat** give you more control. For setting up ranks and custom tags in chat, also see the guide on [configuring a VIP rank and tag](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/create-vip-rank-minecraft). In this guide * [EssentialsXChat](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#essentialsx-chat) * [Default chat format](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#formato-padrao) * [Prefixes with LuckPerms](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#prefixos-luckperms) * [Colors and formatting](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#cores-formatacao) * [Proximity-based local chat](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/configure-minecraft-server-chat-essentialsx#chat-local) ## Frequently asked questions How do I add a rank prefix to Minecraft chat? Set the prefix in LuckPerms with the command '/lp group membro meta setprefix \[Membro\]. Then enable EssentialsXChat with the {DISPLAYNAME} format in chat.yml so the prefix shows up automatically. How do I add colors to Minecraft chat? Use Minecraft color codes with the & symbol: &a for green, &c for red, &e for yellow, and so on. In EssentialsXChat, use those codes directly in the format field of chat.yml. What is EssentialsXChat? EssentialsXChat is the chat module of EssentialsX. It is a separate jar from the main EssentialsX and has to be installed in the plugins folder to enable advanced chat formatting. How do I restrict chat colors to VIPs? In LuckPerms, grant the essentials.chat.color permission to the VIP group and essentials.chat.format to groups that get full formatting. Regular members do not have the permission, so their text shows without color. Next step Minecraft plans Compare Minecraft hosting options in Brazil. [Minecraft plans](https://streethosting.com.br/en/minecraft) [See Minecraft Pro Managed hosting on Ryzen with modpacks, optimized Paper and technical support.](https://streethosting.com.br/en/minecraft-pro) ## Related guides [Minecraft Intermediate How to set up LuckPerms on a Minecraft server (Paper) LuckPerms is the standard permissions plugin on Paper servers. This guide covers installation, group hierarchy, tab prefixes, safe inheritance and an audit routine before you open a public whitelist. 5 min Read guide](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/luckperms-minecraft-setup) [Minecraft Beginner Best Minecraft plugins for Paper servers: a practical list to start right This guide lists the plugins that show up on almost every serious Paper server: permissions, utilities, economy, world editing, auditing and placeholders. The idea is not to install everything at once, but to know what each jar does before you clutter the server. 5 min Read guide](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/best-minecraft-plugins) [Minecraft Intermediate How to create a VIP rank with a colored tag on a Minecraft server A VIP rank is the backbone of revenue for many servers. With LuckPerms you create groups, give players a colored chat prefix and unlock exclusive commands that reward your supporters. 3 min Read guide](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/minecraft/create-vip-rank-minecraft) [← Back to the Guide Center](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides)