How to Use the TellRaw Command in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to use the /tellraw command with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

You can use the /tellraw command to send a private JSON message to a player or group of players in Minecraft. This function allows you to format color, bold and italics for the message. Let's explore how to use this cheat (game command).

Supported Platforms

The /tellraw command is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

PlatformSupported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Java Edition (PC/Mac)Yes (1.7.2)
Pocket Edition (PE) Pocket Edition (PE)Yes (1.9.0)
Xbox 360 Xbox 360No
Xbox One Xbox OneYes (1.9.0)
PS3 PS3No
PS4 PS4Yes (1.14.0)
Wii U Wii UNo
Nintendo Switch Nintendo SwitchYes (1.9.0)
Windows 10 Edition Windows 10 EditionYes (1.9.0)
Education Edition Education EditionYes (1.9.0)

* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
NOTE: Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now called Bedrock Edition. We will continue to show them individually for version history.

Requirements

To run game commands in Minecraft, you have to turn cheats on in your world.

TellRaw Command

Examples

How to Enter the Command

1. Open the Chat Window

The easiest way to run a command in Minecraft is within the chat window. The game control to open the chat window depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), press the T key to open the chat window.
  • For Pocket Edition (PE), tap on the chat button help command at the top of the screen.
  • For Xbox One, press the D-Pad (right) xbox one on the controller.
  • For PS4, press the D-Pad (right) ps4 on the controller.
  • For Nintendo Switch, press the right arrow button nintendo switch on the controller.
  • For Windows 10 Edition, press the T key to open the chat window.
  • For Education Edition, press the T key to open the chat window.

2. Type the Command

In this example, we will send a private message to the player called DigMinecraft with the following command:

/tellraw DigMinecraft {"text":"Herobrine joined the game","color":"yellow"}

Type the command in the chat window. As you are typing, you will see the command appear in the lower left corner of the game window. Press the Enter key to run the command.

tellraw command

Once the cheat has been entered, the message will be displayed to the targeted players.

completed tellraw command

In this example, the message "Herobrine joined the game" will be displayed in the Chat window of the player named DigMinecraft.

Congratulations, you just learned how to use the /tellraw command in Minecraft!