---
name: "motd"
section: "5"
platform: "openbsd"
package: "man"
version: "8.0-current-20261101"
release: "OpenBSD 8.0-current (2026-11-01)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd", "openbsd", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/motd"
---

# motd(5)

message of the day

## NAME

**motd** – message of the day

## DESCRIPTION

The */etc/motd* file is normally displayed by [login(1)](/login/1.md) after a user has logged in but before the shell is run. It is generally used for important system-wide announcements. During system startup, a line containing the kernel version string replaces all lines up to (but not including) the first blank line of this file. Customised messages can be added to this file after that first blank line.

Individual users may suppress the display of this file by creating a file named *.hushlogin* in their home directories.

## FILES

- */etc/motd*

  ## EXAMPLES

```
OpenBSD 3.0 (GENERIC) #5: Sat Jan 26 20:13:07 MST 2002
Make sure you have a .forward file...
4/17	Machine will be down for backups all day Saturday.
```

## SEE ALSO

[login(1)](/login/1.md)