How to Add Plugins and Mods to a Minecraft Server

A Minecraft server on PlayRack takes your own plugins and mods, from the web page or over SFTP. First, know what your server software can run.

Plugins or mods

• Plugins run on the server only, so friends install nothing. They work on Paper (Java) or Nukkit (Bedrock)
• Mods change the game itself: every player needs the same mods and the same Forge version. They work on Forge (Java)
• Java Vanilla takes neither

In the web page (the Files tab)

1. 1Download the plugin or mod (a .jar file) from a source you trust, such as Modrinth, Hangar or CurseForge, for your server's version
2. 2Open your server's page in the Client Area and go to the Files tab
3. 3Open the plugins folder (Paper, Nukkit) or mods (Forge) and press Upload
4. 4Restart the server and check its Console that the plugin or mod loaded

For big files or many of them, such as a whole modpack, SFTP is easier.

Over SFTP

1. 1On your server's page, the SFTP box shows the address, port and login
2. 2Open an SFTP app such as FileZilla or WinSCP and enter them
3. 3Drag the files into plugins or mods
4. 4Restart the server

If the server will not start

• Read the Console for the file in the error, and remove that file from plugins or mods
• Check the plugin or mod is for your server's version
• Back up before adding anything new, so you can restore

See Minecraft plans