Project Zomboid Server: Change Name & Description

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to change the public name and description of your Project Zomboid dedicated server. You’ll edit the server configuration file, then restart the server so the new details appear in the server browser. No special tools are needed—just access to your server files.

What You’ll Need

Access to your server’s installation folder (where the server files are stored).
A text editor like Notepad, Notepad++, or VS Code.
The ability to restart your server (via your hosting panel, command line, or SteamCMD).

Step-by-Step

Stop your server. Before editing any files, shut down the server completely. This prevents the game from overwriting your changes when it saves or exits.
Locate the servertest.ini file. By default, this file is in the Server folder inside your server’s root directory. If you renamed your server when you created it, the file will be named server[YourServerName].ini (e.g., serverMyServer.ini).
Open the file with a text editor. Right-click the file and choose “Open with” then select your text editor. Do not use Word or WordPad—they may add formatting that breaks the file.
Find the PublicName= line. This is usually near the top, under the [General] section. If it doesn’t exist, you can add it anywhere in that section.
Change the name. Type your desired server name after the equals sign. For example: PublicName=My Awesome Zombie Server. Do not use quotes around the name unless you want them to appear in the browser.
Find the PublicDescription= line. This is also under [General]. If it’s missing, add it.
Change the description. Write a short, clear description of your server. For example: PublicDescription=PvE server with increased loot. Friendly community, no PvP.. You can use commas and periods, but avoid special characters like % or & as they may cause issues.
Save the file. Press Ctrl+S (or Cmd+S on Mac) to save your changes.
Restart your server. Start the server again. It will read the updated .ini file and apply the new name and description.
Verify the change. In the Project Zomboid server browser, find your server. The new name and description should appear. If not, refresh the list or wait a few minutes.

Common Mistakes

Editing the wrong file. Make sure you’re editing the .ini file in the Server folder, not the servertest.ini in the root directory (if one exists). The correct file is named after your server.
Using quotes. Putting quotes around the name or description will make them appear literally in the browser. Avoid them.
Forgetting to restart. The server only reads the file at startup. If you edit it while the server is running, the changes won’t take effect until a restart.
Using special characters. Characters like #, ;, or = in the description can break the file formatting. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation.
Editing while the server is running. The server may overwrite your changes when it shuts down, so always stop the server first.

Tips

Back up the file. Before editing, copy the servertest.ini to a safe location. If something goes wrong, you can restore it.
Keep the name short. The server browser has limited space. A name under 50 characters displays fully.
Make the description informative. Mention the game mode (PvP/PvE), any mods, or rules. This helps players decide if they want to join.
Use a text editor with line numbers. This helps you find the exact lines quickly, especially if the file is long.
Test after changing. After restarting, join your server to confirm the name and description appear correctly in the in-game browser.

Troubleshooting

Changes not showing up? First, double-check that you saved the file correctly. Then, ensure you restarted the server completely—not just reloaded a map. If you’re using a hosting panel, use the “Restart” button, not “Stop” and “Start” separately (though both should work).

Server won’t start after editing? This usually means you’ve introduced a syntax error. Open the file and look for any accidental characters, extra equals signs, or missing line breaks. If you can’t find the issue, restore the backup you made and try again.

Name appears as “servertest”? This means the server is using the default servertest.ini instead of your named file. Check your server startup command or hosting panel settings to ensure it’s pointing to the correct .ini file.

Description is blank in the browser? The server browser may cache old data. Try refreshing the list, or wait a few minutes. If it persists, check that the PublicDescription= line has a value after the equals sign and that the file is saved in UTF-8 encoding.

Special characters cause errors? If your description includes an ampersand (&) or percent sign (%), remove them and use plain text. These characters are reserved in some configuration parsers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the server name without stopping the server?

No. The server reads the configuration file only at startup. You must stop, edit, and restart.

Where is the server folder located?

It’s typically in the same directory as the server executable. If you use SteamCMD, it’s usually in steamapps/common/Project Zomboid Dedicated Server. If you use a hosting provider, check their file manager.

What if I don’t have a `PublicName` line?

You can add it manually. Just type PublicName=My Server on a new line under [General]. The server will recognize it.

Can I use HTML or formatting in the description?

No. The description is plain text. HTML tags will appear as literal text.

Will changing the name affect my player saves?

No. The name is only for display. Player data, world saves, and mods are unaffected.

How do I find the correct `.ini` file if I have multiple servers?

Each server has its own .ini file named after the server. For example, if your server is called “Survival”, the file is serverSurvival.ini. Check your startup parameters to confirm which file is being used.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.