The color format depends on the software that reads the MOTD. Vanilla properties, plugin using legacy format, and MiniMessage may not expect the same input syntax.
Step by step
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Determine which file reads the text. An example green text for Java properties could be
motd=\u00A7aSunucuma hoş geldin. -
If the plugin expects
&code, use the syntax in its documentation, if it expects MiniMessage, use the relevant tags. Don't mix these formats randomly. -
Test with one color first. Then, when you add a second line or format, check that the codes do not appear as raw text.
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Open the list preview in Vanilla and one of your targeted client versions. Verify that the background and text color are readable.
Keep in mind
Not every legacy client and not every plugin displays RGB gradients the same way.