Browse the documentation

Add a Mod to a Minecraft Server

FreshPerf includes an explorer that lets you search for and install mods directly from the panel.

Mods usually require a compatible loader such as Fabric, Forge or NeoForge.

1. Choose mod-compatible server software

Open the server Versions tab.

Common choices for mods are:

  • Fabric.
  • Forge.
  • NeoForge.

The loader must match the mod you want to install.

A Fabric mod does not automatically work on Forge, and vice versa.

2. Stop the server

Before installation:

  1. click Stop.
  2. wait until the server is fully stopped.
  3. back up the world if this is an existing server.

3. Open the mod catalog

From the navigation bar:

  1. click Mods & plugins.
  2. open Explore.
  3. select Mods.

Capture d'écran 2026-08-17 221016

FreshPerf can search content from sources such as:

  • Modrinth.
  • CurseForge.

4. Search for the mod

Use the mod search field.

Before installing, verify:

  • Minecraft version.
  • required loader.
  • dependencies.
  • whether the mod must also be installed on each player's client.

5. Install the mod

From the mod page:

  1. choose a compatible version.
  2. start the installation.
  3. wait for the download to finish.
  4. start the server.

6. Check installed content

Open:

Mods & plugins → Installed

You can also inspect files from Files.

Depending on the loader, mods are usually stored in:

/mods/

7. Check startup logs

After installation, open Console.

If the server does not start, look for messages such as:

Missing dependency
Incompatible mod
Unsupported version

Common causes include:

  • a missing dependency.
  • the wrong loader.
  • the wrong Minecraft version.
  • an incompatible Java version.
  • a client-only mod installed on the server.
  • conflicts between mods.

8. Install the mod on player clients when required

Many mods must be installed both:

  • on the server.
  • on each player's game client.

Players must use a compatible setup matching the server.

Some optimization or administration mods are server-side only.

Manual installation

If the mod is not available in FreshPerf's explorer:

  1. download the .jar from the official mod page.
  2. stop the server.
  3. open Files or use SFTP.
  4. upload the file to:
/mods/
  1. add any required dependencies.
  2. start the server again.