Adding plugins to your PaperMC server is a straightforward process that allows you to enhance gameplay, manage your server, and introduce new features. It generally involves downloading the plugin, placing it in the correct folder, and then restarting your server.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing PaperMC Plugins
Follow these steps to successfully add new plugins to your PaperMC server:
1. Find and Download Your Desired Plugin
The first step is to locate the plugin you wish to install. PaperMC servers are compatible with most Bukkit and Spigot plugins.
- Popular Plugin Sources:
- SpigotMC Resources: A widely used platform for finding plugins.
- BukkitDev (CurseForge): Another reputable source for Minecraft plugins.
- Key Consideration: Once you've found the plugin you'd like to install, download it. Ensure the file you have downloaded ends in
.jar. This file format is crucial for Minecraft server plugins. Avoid downloading any.zipor other archived files directly; always look for the.jarfile within them, or specifically download the.jardirectly.
2. Locate Your Server's plugins Folder
Once you have the plugin downloaded locally, you need to find the correct directory on your server.
- Navigate to the root directory of your Paper server. This is the main folder where your
paper.jarfile,worldfolder, and other core server files are located. - Inside this root directory, you will find a folder named
plugins. This is where all your server's plugins reside. If this folder doesn't exist for some reason, you can create it manually.
3. Drag and Drop the Plugin File
Now, transfer your downloaded plugin to the server.
- Drag and drop the plugin file (the
.jarfile you downloaded in step 1) directly into thepluginsfolder you located in step 2.
4. Restart Your Server
For the server to load the new plugin and integrate its features, a restart is necessary.
- Go to your server's console or management panel.
- Execute the command to restart your server. This ensures that the plugin initializes correctly and any configuration files it needs are generated.
- Note: Simply stopping and starting the server also works, but a full restart is generally recommended for new plugin installations.
5. Verify the Installation
After your server has fully restarted, it's good practice to confirm that the plugin loaded correctly.
- Check the Server Console: Look for messages in your server console during startup. Many plugins will print a message indicating they have loaded successfully.
- In-Game Command: Join your server and use the command
/plugins(or/pl). This command will display a list of all currently loaded plugins. Your newly installed plugin should appear in this list, usually highlighted in green if it loaded successfully. If it's red, there might be an issue (e.g., missing dependencies, incorrect version).
Troubleshooting Common Plugin Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause & Solution |
|---|---|
| Plugin not loading | - Incorrect file: Ensure it's a .jar file. - Wrong version: Check if the plugin supports your PaperMC server version. - Dependencies: Some plugins require other plugins to function (e.g., Vault). Install them first. - Corrupt file: Redownload the plugin. |
| Server crashing on startup | - Incompatible plugin: The plugin might not be compatible with PaperMC or your specific server version. - Corrupt installation: Remove the plugin and restart. Check server logs for error messages. |
Plugin not appearing in /pl |
- Not in plugins folder: Double-check the file location. - Server not restarted: Ensure a full server restart was performed. - File extension issue: Make sure it's exactly .jar. |
| Plugin not working as expected | - Configuration: Many plugins have configuration files (.yml files in their subfolder within plugins). Check these for settings. - Permissions: If you're using a permissions plugin (e.g., LuckPerms), you might need to grant players permissions for the plugin's commands. |
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively add and manage plugins on your PaperMC server, unlocking a world of customization and improved gameplay experiences.
