How to Change Your Server Type (Vanilla, Paper, Forge, Fabric)

Understanding Server Types

Minecraft has several server types, each with different capabilities:

• Vanilla — The default Minecraft server with no mod or plugin support
• Paper / Spigot — Modified servers that support plugins (e.g., EssentialsX, WorldEdit). Paper is recommended over Spigot for better performance
• Purpur — A fork of Paper with additional configuration options, popular with performance-focused server owners
• Forge / NeoForge — Modified servers that support mods (e.g., modpacks from CurseForge). NeoForge is the modern continuation of Forge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and later
• Fabric — A lightweight mod loader, popular for performance mods and smaller mod setups

How to Switch Server Types

1. Back up your server before switching — go to the Backups tab and create a backup
2. Log into your game panel and select your server
3. Open the Version Changer tool
4. Select the server type you want (Paper, Forge, NeoForge, Fabric, Vanilla, etc.)
5. Choose your desired Minecraft version
6. Confirm the change and restart your server

What to Know When Switching

• Vanilla → Forge/Fabric — Your world carries over, but you will need to install mods separately
• Paper → Vanilla — Your world carries over. Plugins in the /plugins folder will be ignored
• Forge ↔ Fabric — Mods are not cross-compatible. You will need to find equivalent mods for the target platform. Worlds with mod-added blocks may have missing blocks after switching
• Java ↔ Bedrock — These are completely different platforms. Switching between them requires a fresh server. World files cannot be transferred

After Switching

• Accept the EULA again if prompted (check the Startup tab for the EULA variable)
• Verify that your plugins or mods are compatible with the new server type and version
• Clean up old files — if you switched from Paper to Fabric, the /plugins folder is no longer used and can be removed