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Installing Plugins

A quick guide to installing plugins on your Minecraft server.


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Plugins require compatible server software (core) to function, such as PaperMC, CraftBukkit, Mohist, or Fabric. For instructions on installing these server types, see our custom server software guide.

Each plugin is designed for a particular Minecraft core. For instance, Paper plugins will not work with CraftBukkit, and the reverse is also true. Always check that any plugin you download is compatible with your server’s core and game version.

To ensure stability and avoid broken or malicious plugins, download plugins from official or trusted sources:

Downloading Plugins

In this tutorial, we'll use Modrinth as an example because of its simplicity and the wide range of plugins available.

Filtering by server type (platform/core) and game version is highly recommended to ensure compatibility.

plugin filters

Once you've found your desired plugin, open its page and click the "Download" button.

plugin download button

A popup will prompt you to pick the version and core (platform). Choose the ones that match your server setup.

plugin download popup

Installing the Plugin on the Server

After downloading the plugin, access your server's file manager and open the plugins directory. Upload the downloaded .jar file here (for example, worldedit-bukkit-7.3.6.jar).

plugin upload to the server

Testing That the Plugin Works

Restart your Minecraft server to load the new plugin. Once the server is running, type the plugins command in the server console. If you see your newly added plugin listed, the installation was successful!

plugin working

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