How do I install mods or plugins — from a catalog or from files?

For Minecraft, the Mods & Plugins page gives you one-click installs for both plugins and mods, and you can always drop files in manually too. The key thing to remember is that plugins and mods aren't interchangeable — each needs the matching kind of server software.

Plugins vs mods

Plugins run on the Paper/Spigot/Purpur family and live in the plugins folder. Mods run on Forge or Fabric and live in the mods folder. Install the wrong type and it simply won't load.

Installing add-ons

1. For plugins, use the Mods & Plugins page to search and install, or upload .jar files into the plugins folder via Files.
2. For mods, use the same Mods & Plugins page, or upload .jar files into the mods folder.
3. Restart from the Console tab after installing.

Warning: Plugins and mods are not interchangeable — plugins need Paper/Spigot-family software, mods need Forge/Fabric. See the Minecraft KB for details.

Tips & best practices

• Install add-ons one at a time and restart, so a broken one is easy to identify. Back up first with Back up now on the Backups page.

Frequently asked questions

Which folder does each go in? plugins for plugins, mods for mods.

Plugins won't install — why? You're on Forge or Fabric, which use mods. Install mods instead (the Mods & Plugins page handles both).