How do I switch server software (Vanilla ↔ Paper/Spigot/Purpur/Fabric/Forge)?

Switching your server software — say from Vanilla to Paper, or over to Forge — is a one-click job in the Versions tab. Here's the full catalog and how to make the switch cleanly.

The Versions tab

The Versions tab is a one-click installer. Its catalog is grouped:

• Recommended: Vanilla, Paper, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Velocity.
• Established: Purpur, Pufferfish, Folia, Sponge, Spigot, BungeeCord, Waterfall.
• Experimental: Quilt, Canvas.
• Plus hybrid/misc options (Mohist, Arclight, Magma, and more).

Step-by-step

1. Open the Versions tab.
2. Pick your software from the catalog above.
3. Choose the Minecraft version and build, and install — leave Wipe Data off to keep your world.
4. Start from the Console.

Warning: Switching families changes what add-ons work — plugins run on Paper/Spigot/Purpur; mods run on Forge/Fabric. Moving from Forge to Paper won't carry your mods, and vice versa.

Frequently asked questions

Will switching software keep my world? Yes — leave "Wipe Data" off and your world stays.

Will my mods or plugins carry over when I switch families? No — mods don't run on Paper and plugins don't run on Forge, so you'll re-add the right kind for your new software.