How to Install Mods and Plugins on Your Minecraft Server

## Built-In Downloader

Your game panel has a built-in **Mod, Modpack, and Plugin Downloader**. This is the easiest way to install content on your server.

## Installing via the Downloader

- Log into your Pterodactyl game panel
- Select your server
- Open the **Downloader** tool
- Browse or search for the mod, modpack, or plugin you want
- Click **Install**
- Restart your server

## Plugins vs Mods — What's the Difference?

- **Plugins** run on Paper/Spigot servers. Players do NOT need to install anything on their side
- **Mods** run on Forge or Fabric servers. Players MUST install the same mods on their client
- **Modpacks** are bundles of mods packaged together. Both the server and players need the same modpack

## Manual Upload

If the downloader does not have what you need, you can upload files manually:

## Via File Manager (Small Files)

- Go to the **Files** tab in your panel
- Navigate to the **plugins** or **mods** folder
- Click **Upload** and select your file

**Note:** The File Manager has file size limitations. For larger files, use SFTP.

## Via SFTP (Large Files)

- Use an SFTP client like FileZilla (https://filezilla-project.org/)
- Connect using the SFTP credentials found in your panel's **Settings** tab
- Upload files directly to the or folder

See our File Upload Guide (/kb/article/how-to-upload-files-to-the-pterodactyl-game-panel) for detailed SFTP instructions.

## Common Issues

- **Server won't start after adding mods/plugins** — Check the console for error messages. Usually a mod is incompatible with your server version. Remove the problematic file and restart
- **"Mod version mismatch"** — Ensure the mod version matches your Minecraft version AND your mod loader version
- **Mods not loading** — Verify you're using the correct server type. Plugins don't work on Vanilla/Forge. Mods don't work on Paper/Spigot. Use the Version Changer to switch if needed