Using Custom Server Software or Version
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 reck havoc.
Not all
.jar
files are server jars. If the website states that is it an installer, or if the file name containsinstaller
, 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 generate the actual server jars and the library folders.
-
Once you have downloaded the installer, double click to run it.
-
A prompt should appear, ensure you switch to the “Server” tab or choose “Install Server” from the list of options.
-
Choose the Minecraft and loader version if prompted.
If you are using a modpack, ensure the loader version matches the specifications of your modpack.
-
Create a new folder and select it as the target location.
-
Click on “OK” or “Install” and let the installer generate the needed files.
Double Jar and a Library Folder
Some 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:
-
Locate the vanilla jar, this is often called
server.jar
orvanilla.jar
. -
If not already, rename it to
minecraft.jar
. -
Find the main modloader’s jar, this often contains the name of the modloader and
server-launch
or similar. Rename it toserver.jar
. -
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:
-
Log in to the Dashboard.
-
Choose a server within your server list.
-
You will be redirected to your server’s Console page. Ensure your server is offline by click on the “Stop” button at the top of the console.
-
In the top navigation bar, hover over “Manage” then navigate to the File Manager.
-
Locate the
server.jar
file and click on the 3 dots to its right. -
Click on “Delete” to delete your old server jar.
Standalone Server Jar:
-
Click on the “Upload Files” button and select the downloaded or generated
.jar
file. -
Ensure the uploaded file is named
server.jar
. If it is not, click on the 3 dots to its right and click on “Rename”. -
Navigate back to the Console page and start your server.
Server Jar and a Library:
-
On your device, archive all of the files and folders generated by the installer (excluding
run.bat
andrun.sh
) in the.zip
format. -
Back in the Dashboard, click on the “Upload Files” button and select and upload the archive.
-
Once the archive has been uploaded, locate it and click on the 3 dots to its right, then click on “Unarchive”.
-
Once it is done, you may delete the
.zip
archive as it is no longer needed. -
Ensure that the main
.jar
file is namedserver.jar
. If it is not, click on the 3 dots to its right and click on “Rename”. -
Navigate back to the Console page and start your server.