Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Change a Rust Server Description, Header Image and URL

Set your Rust server's description, header image and website button with three convars. This guide covers server.cfg placement, launch parameters, server.readcfg, PNG hosting, line breaks and troubleshooting.
Length9 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Set server.description, server.headerimage and server.url in your Rust server’s server.cfg, then run server.readcfg from the server console. The running server can pick up the new listing text, image and website link without a restart. You can also provide the same values as startup parameters when launching the server.

What these settings control

Rust exposes the three listing fields as server convars:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
What players see Convar Value you provide Where to set it
Server description server.description Text, with n for line breaks server.cfg or a launch parameter
Header image server.headerimage A publicly reachable PNG URL server.cfg or a launch parameter
Website button server.url Your site’s full URL server.cfg or a launch parameter

The URL is presented as a button in the server browser and takes a player to the address you set. Facepunch documents the URL and header-image launch parameters in its server-creation guide: https://wiki.facepunch.com/rust/Creating-a-server.

Before you edit anything

Find the correct configuration file

server.cfg belongs in the cfg folder for the server identity that is actually running. A host can have several identities, test instances or procedural servers, so editing a similarly named file in another directory will not change the server players join. The file location is described here: Physgun’s server.cfg guide.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

If you manage the server through a control panel, use its file manager or configuration editor and open the active identity’s cfg/server.cfg. If you run the process yourself, locate the identity directory passed to the server at startup and use that identity’s cfg directory. Keep a copy of the existing file before changing it.

Check how your server is started

There are two ways to define these values:

  • Configuration file: Put one setting per line in server.cfg, then explicitly load the file with server.readcfg.
  • Launch parameters: Add +server... arguments to the command or panel startup field. Facepunch’s documentation shows this form for server.url and server.headerimage: Creating a server on the Facepunch wiki.

Do not mix an old launch argument with a new file value without checking which one your startup process applies last. For a predictable setup, keep the three values together in one place and use the other method only when your host requires it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Configure the three fields in server.cfg

Use the expected syntax

Open server.cfg as plain text and add or edit the lines below. Quotation marks keep spaces and punctuation inside each value.

server.hostname "My Rust Server"
server.description "Welcome to our community!nRules: no cheating.nDiscord: example.com"
server.headerimage "https://example.com/header.png"
server.url "https://example.com"

This syntax, including the related server.logoimage setting, is shown in the Rust configuration example from Respawn Host: https://respawnhost.com/en/wiki/games/rust/rust-configuration/. The server.hostname line is included only to show the surrounding listing settings; it is not required to change the description, header or URL.

Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed

Set a description players can scan

Keep the description inside one quoted value. To create separate lines, type the two characters n rather than pressing Enter inside the quoted setting:

server.description "Solo/duo servernActive adminsnWipe Friday 18:00 UTC"

The escaped newline format is documented in a Steam discussion about Rust server-list information: https://steamcommunity.com/app/252490/discussions/1/1743357605581907871/. If you put a literal line break in the middle of the quoted value, the following text may be interpreted as a separate command or produce a malformed setting.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Point the header setting at an image file

Use the complete address of an image that the public internet can retrieve, for example:

server.headerimage "https://example.com/images/rust-header.png"

The cited Rust guidance calls for PNG format and a publicly reachable URL. A file that exists only on your computer, behind a login, or inside a private network cannot be fetched by the game client. The PNG and public-URL requirements are described in the Steam discussion above and in the Respawn Host configuration guide.

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)

An often-repeated 512x256 recommendation comes from a 2015 Oxide forum post, not a current specification. Treat it as historical guidance rather than a guaranteed required size: https://oxidemod.org/threads/using-new-server-list-info-settings.11386/. Current sources cited here do not establish a mandatory pixel dimension, so use a clear, appropriately cropped PNG and verify how it renders in the current server browser.

Add the website URL

Enter the full address, including the scheme:

server.url "https://example.com"

Rust uses this value for the website button in the server browser. The Facepunch server-creation page documents that behavior and the corresponding launch parameter. Use the address players should actually visit, rather than a local hostname or an administrative URL.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Apply server.cfg without restarting

Rust does not automatically reread the file merely because it was saved. After uploading or saving the edited file, run server.readcfg in the server console. The setting and reload behavior are described in the low.ms Rust server settings guide: https://low.ms/knowledgebase/rust-server-settings-guide.

  1. Save server.cfg in the active server identity’s cfg folder.
  2. Open the live server console, either in your hosting panel or in the terminal window running the server.
  3. Enter exactly server.readcfg and submit it.
  4. Wait for the console to process the command, then close and reopen the server browser or refresh its listing.
  5. Check the description, image and website button from a client that can reach the server.

If you change the file again, run server.readcfg again. A restart is not normally needed just to apply these listing values, although a restart may still be appropriate if your panel replaces the configuration during boot or the process was not reading the identity you edited.

Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC

Set the values as startup parameters instead

Some dedicated-server panels generate server.cfg or make the startup command the authoritative configuration. In that case, place the settings after the executable in the launch field. The general form is:

+server.description "Welcome!nRules: no cheating."
+server.headerimage "https://example.com/header.png"
+server.url "https://example.com"

Facepunch’s server-creation documentation specifically demonstrates the +server.url and +server.headerimage forms: https://wiki.facepunch.com/rust/Creating-a-server. A hosting panel may display these as separate variables rather than one command line; enter the same convar names and values without the plus sign if the panel asks for key/value fields.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

When using startup parameters, fully stop and start the server after saving the command. server.readcfg reloads the file, not a panel’s unsaved startup template. If the panel writes a fresh server.cfg on every boot, store the values in the panel’s persistent startup configuration or they may disappear on the next restart.

Verify each value from a player’s perspective

Description check

  • Search for the server by its hostname and open its information panel.
  • Confirm that each intended line appears separately. If the characters n are visible, the value was entered with the wrong escaping or was altered by the panel.
  • Make sure the text belongs to the server you edited; similarly named servers can make an old description look like a failed update.

Header-image check

  • Open the image URL in a normal browser window that is not logged in to a private file service.
  • Confirm that it returns the PNG itself, not an HTML landing page, redirect notice or access-denied response.
  • Refresh the Rust server browser after the reload. A client may retain an older listing briefly, so compare from a second client if necessary.

URL-button check

  • Open the server’s details in the browser and look for the website button.
  • Check the value for spelling, punctuation and the complete https:// or http:// prefix.
  • Open the button and confirm that it lands on the intended public page rather than a local address.

Troubleshoot common failures

Symptom Likely cause What to do
Nothing changes after editing the file server.cfg was not reloaded, or the wrong identity’s file was edited. Confirm the active identity and run server.readcfg in that server’s live console. The file is not loaded automatically; see the low.ms settings guide.
The console says “command not found” A convar is misspelled. Compare the line character by character with server.description, server.headerimage or server.url. An Oxide discussion records this failure mode for misspelled settings: https://oxidemod.org/threads/using-new-server-list-info-settings.11386/.
The description is one long line or shows literal “n” The newline escape was omitted or transformed by the editor. Use the two-character sequence n inside one quoted value, as shown in the Steam guidance: https://steamcommunity.com/app/252490/discussions/1/1743357605581907871/.
The header is blank or never updates The URL is private, points to a non-image page, or the file is not a reachable PNG. Test the exact URL outside Rust, make the PNG publicly reachable, correct the setting, and run server.readcfg again. The cited requirements are a public URL and PNG format.
The website button is missing or opens the wrong place The URL value is wrong, incomplete, or belongs to another server configuration. Use the full intended URL, verify the active identity, reload the file, then refresh the listing. Facepunch describes server.url as the server-browser website link: https://wiki.facepunch.com/rust/Creating-a-server.
Changes return to the old values after a restart The startup panel overwrites server.cfg or supplies older launch arguments. Inspect the generated configuration and startup command. Keep the values in the panel’s persistent startup fields or remove the conflicting old arguments.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Clear or replace an existing description

To remove the description rather than replace it, set an empty quoted value:

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
server.description ""

Corrosion Hour documents this clearing command at https://www.corrosionhour.com/rust-server-description/. Save the file and run server.readcfg; otherwise the previous description remains active until the configuration is loaded.

To replace an image or URL, overwrite the corresponding line with the new value and reload. Leaving an obsolete line elsewhere in the startup command can reapply the old value, so search both the file and the panel’s launch parameters when an update appears to revert.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A dependable update workflow

  1. Back up: Copy the active server.cfg before editing.
  2. Use one source of truth: Decide whether the panel’s startup parameters or the identity’s server.cfg should own these three values.
  3. Validate the assets: Confirm that the header URL is a publicly reachable PNG and that the website URL is the page players should visit.
  4. Edit carefully: Keep each convar on its own line, retain quotation marks around values containing spaces, and use n for description line breaks.
  5. Reload: Run server.readcfg after saving a file-based configuration.
  6. Test externally: Refresh the server browser and check the listing from a client that is not relying on a private or cached copy of the image.
  7. Record the change: Keep the final three lines in your server documentation so a future panel migration does not silently restore older values.

Complete minimal example

This is the smallest practical file for the three requested listing fields:

server.description "Welcome to the server!nRead the rules before playing."
server.headerimage "https://example.com/rust/header.png"
server.url "https://example.com"

Save it in the running identity’s cfg/server.cfg, execute server.readcfg, and then inspect the listing. If your server also needs a name, add a separate server.hostname line as shown in the configuration example from Respawn Host.

What the current evidence does—and does not—specify

The convar names, file-reload command, launch-parameter form, newline escape, public PNG requirement and browser URL behavior are documented by the linked Rust and hosting guides. A mandatory current header-image resolution is not established by those sources; the frequently quoted 512×256 figure is specifically from a 2015 Oxide post and may no longer reflect the client. When the image is important to your branding, test the actual rendering in the Rust build and server-browser version you operate instead of treating that historical size as a hard rule.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a RedM (RDR2) Server in 2026: License Key, txAdmin and server.cfg, Step by StepBlog11min
  2. Best RedM (RDR2) Server Hosting in 2026: Comparing Four Hosts on Slots, Memory and PriceBlog10min
  3. How to Host a Mindustry Server in 2026: server-release.jar, Port 6567 and the Commands That MatterBlog7min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.