How do I configure a brand-new server from scratch?

A fresh server comes ready to run, so configuration is mostly a matter of picking your software and editing a few files. Here's how to take a brand-new server from first boot to a fully tailored setup.

Overview

Starting the server once generates its default files, which you then edit. For Minecraft you pick your software and version from the Versions tab, adjust config files in Files, and set your RAM and startup options in the Startup tab.

How to configure it

1. Start the server once from the Console so it generates its default files.
2. For Minecraft, set your software/version from the Versions tab (see the Version article / Minecraft KB).
3. Edit server.properties and other config files in the Files tab (MOTD, gamemode, difficulty, world name, etc.).
4. Add plugins/mods and set RAM/startup options in the Startup tab, then restart.

Tip: Change and restart one thing at a time so it's obvious what caused any issue.

Tips & best practices

• Back up once you have a working baseline configuration (via Files/SFTP while the Backups tab is being rebuilt).

Frequently asked questions

Where are all the settings? Mostly in config files under Files, plus the Startup tab for RAM and launch options.