Plugins add functionality to your Minecraft server. This guide covers Bukkit/Spigot/Paper plugins, which are the most common type.

Choose Compatible Server Software

Ensure your server supports plugins:

Plugin-Compatible Servers:

Paper: Best performance and most features (recommended)
Spigot: Popular choice with good plugin support
Bukkit: Original plugin API (less common now)
Purpur: Paper fork with additional features

NOT Plugin-Compatible:

Vanilla Minecraft Server
Forge (uses mods instead)
Fabric (uses mods instead)

You cannot install Bukkit/Spigot plugins on vanilla or modded servers. Use Paper for the best plugin experience.

Find Reliable Plugin Sources

Download plugins from trusted repositories:

Official Sources:

SpigotMC Resources - Largest plugin repository
Hangar (PaperMC) - Modern plugin platform
BukkitDev - Original Bukkit repository
Modrinth - Growing plugin platform

Essential Plugin Categories:

Administration: EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldEdit
Protection: WorldGuard, GriefPrevention, CoreProtect
Economy: Vault, EconomyShopGUI, ChestShop
Chat: ChatControl, DiscordSRV, PlaceholderAPI

Check Plugin Compatibility

Verify plugins will work with your server:

Minecraft Version: Ensure plugin supports your server version
Server Software: Check if plugin works with Paper/Spigot
Dependencies: Note any required dependency plugins
API Version: Modern plugins use specific API versions
Reviews: Read user reviews and comments for issues

Most plugins are backward compatible. A plugin for Minecraft 1.19 will usually work on 1.20+, but check the description to be sure.

Install Essential Dependencies

Install commonly required dependency plugins first:

Core Dependencies:

Vault: Economy and permissions API (required by many plugins)
PlaceholderAPI: Dynamic text placeholders
ProtocolLib: Advanced packet manipulation
WorldEdit: World editing API used by protection plugins

Installation order:

1. Download .jar files
2. Place in plugins/ folder
3. Restart server
4. Install dependent plugins

Install Plugins

Follow these steps to install any plugin:

Stop your server: Always stop the server before adding plugins
Download plugin: Get the .jar file from a trusted source
Upload to plugins folder: Place the .jar file in plugins/ directory
Start server: Restart your server to load the plugin
Check console: Look for successful loading messages

File structure should look like:

server/
├── plugins/
│   ├── EssentialsX.jar
│   ├── Vault.jar
│   ├── WorldGuard.jar
│   └── LuckPerms.jar
├── server.jar
└── server.properties

Configure Plugin Settings

Most plugins create configuration files that need setup:

Check plugins folder: Look for new folders created by plugins
Edit config.yml: Main configuration file for most plugins
Read documentation: Check plugin pages for configuration guides
Test settings: Make changes and restart to test
Backup configs: Save working configurations

Example plugin folder structure:

plugins/
├── EssentialsX/
│   ├── config.yml
│   ├── userdata/
│   └── warps.yml
├── WorldGuard/
│   ├── config.yml
│   └── worlds/
└── EssentialsX.jar

Manage Plugin Permissions

Set up proper permissions for your plugins:

Using LuckPerms (Recommended):

Install LuckPerms plugin
Create permission groups: /lp creategroup moderator
Add permissions: /lp group moderator permission set essentials.kick
Add users to groups: /lp user PlayerName parent add moderator

Default Permissions:

Server operators have all permissions by default
Regular players have basic permissions only
Use permission plugins for fine-grained control

Test and Troubleshoot

Verify plugins are working correctly:

Check plugin list: Use /plugins command to see loaded plugins
Test commands: Try plugin-specific commands
Monitor console: Watch for error messages during startup
Check logs: Review logs/latest.log for issues
Player testing: Have players test plugin functionality

If a plugin shows in red in /plugins, it failed to load. Check console for error messages and verify compatibility.

Keep Plugins Updated

Maintain your plugins for security and compatibility:

Regular updates: Check for plugin updates monthly
Backup before updating: Save your server before major updates
Test updates: Use a test server for major plugin updates
Read changelogs: Understand what's changing in updates
Monitor compatibility: Ensure updated plugins work together

Update process:

1. Stop server
2. Backup plugins folder
3. Replace old .jar with new version
4. Start server and test

Your server now supports plugins! Start with essential plugins like EssentialsX and WorldGuard, then add more functionality as needed. Remember to always backup before making changes.

Minecraft Plugin Installation Guide