How do I install plugins?
On this page
Adding plugins is one of the quickest wins on a Minecraft server, and the Mods & Plugins page makes it a one-click job — as long as you're on the right server software.
Prerequisites
Plugins run on the Paper / Spigot / Purpur (Bukkit) family — not on Vanilla or Forge. If you're not on one of those, switch on the Software page first.
Step-by-step
- Make sure you're on Paper / Spigot / Purpur (a Bukkit-family server) — plugins don't run on Vanilla or Forge. Switch on the Software page if needed.
- Open the Mods & Plugins page, search by name (EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldEdit, and more), and install — the panel drops it into your
pluginsfolder. - Restart the server to load it.
Tip: On a Forge server plugins won't apply — mods and plugins are different worlds. Use hybrids (Mohist/Magma/Arclight) if you truly need both.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I install plugins on my server? You're likely on Vanilla or Forge — plugins need a Bukkit-family server (Paper/Spigot/Purpur). Switch on the Software page.
Can I run plugins and mods together? Only on a hybrid (Mohist/Magma/Arclight) — a normal Paper server runs plugins, a Forge server runs mods.
More in Plugins
- Plugins need Paper/Spigot — do I need to switch from Vanilla/Forge?
- How do I install a plugin manually from my computer?
- Why aren't my plugins loading or working?
- Which plugin is causing my issue, or which are outdated for my version?
- How do I update a plugin without losing its config?
- How do I remove plugins?