Add Custom Server Software or Version

This article is available for both Minecraft editions:

Java Bedrock

Before proceeding with this guide, we recommend reading our server software guide to better understand the terms used below.

Often a user will want to use a specific version or software, either because of a modpack requirement or for specific features. Fortunately, this can be easily done with a custom jar. Custom jars come in two forms: a standalone .jar file, or a .jar file, a library folder and sometimes other files.

Preparing the Jar or Library:

Standalone jars are often downloaded directly, while jar with a library folder are generated from an installer, both of which can be downloaded from the provider’s website. A list of the most common software and their download website is as follows:

NEVER download shady or untrusted server software, or software from unofficial websites. Malicious developers can use them to easily gain backdoor access to your server and wreak havoc.

• Paper, Folia, Velocity, Waterfall
• Purpur
• Spigot
• Fabric
• Quilt
• NeoForge
• Forge

Not all .jar files are server jars. If the website states that is it an installer, or if the file name contains installer, proceed to the sub-section below:

Installers:

Some server software such as Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt provide an installer rather than a direct download link. These installers must then be used to make the actual server jar and the library folders.

1. Once you have downloaded the installer, run it.

2. A prompt should appear, make sure you switch to the “Server” tab or choose “Install Server” from the list of options.

3. Choose the Minecraft and loader version if prompted.

   If you are using a modpack, make sure the loader version matches the specifications of your modpack.

4. Create a new folder and select it as the target location.

5. Press “OK” or “Install” and let the installer generate the needed files.

Double Jar and a Library Folder

Some server software such as Quilt provide two server jars: a vanilla jar (usually named server.jar) and the modloader’s own jar. Follow the steps below if this is the case:

1. Locate the vanilla jar, this is often called server.jar or vanilla.jar.

2. Rename it to minecraft.jar.

3. Find the main modloader’s jar, this often contains the name of the modloader and server-launch or similar. Rename it to server.jar.

4. You will need to declare the vanilla jar’s name to the modloader. In the case of Quilt, this can be done by creating a quilt-server-launcher.properties file with the following content:

serverJar=minecraft.jar

Adding the Files to Your Server:

1. Log in to the Dashboard.

2. Choose a server within your server list.

3. You will be redirected to your server’s Console page. Ensure your server is offline by pressing the “Stop” button at the top of the console.

4. In the top navigation bar, hover over “Manage” then navigate to the File Manager.

5. If you already have an installed server, locate the server.jar file and press the 3 dots to its right.

6. Press “Delete” to delete your old server jar.

• Standalone Server Jar
• Server Jar and Library

• 7. Press the “Upload Files” button and select your .jar file.

  8. Make sure the uploaded file is named server.jar. If it is not, press the 3 dots to its right and select “Rename”.

  9. Navigate back to the Console page and start your server.

• 7. On your device, archive all of the files and folders generated by the installer (excluding run.bat and run.sh).

  8. In the Dashboard, press the “Upload Files” button and select and upload the archive.

  9. Once the archive has been uploaded, locate it and press the 3 dots to its right, then select “Unarchive”.

  10. Once done, you may delete the archive as it is no longer needed.

  11. Make sure that the main .jar file is named server.jar. If not, press the 3 dots to its right and select “Rename”.

  12. Navigate back to the Console page and start your server.

Make sure to update your server’s Java version to match the requirements of your Minecraft version. For more information, please visit our Java versions guide.