How to install data packs on a Minecraft server

To add a data pack, upload its .zip to the datapacks folder inside your world folder (world/datapacks by default), then run reload in the console or restart the server. Data packs work on Vanilla, Paper, Forge and Sponge, and players do not need to install anything.

Install a data pack#

1. Download the data pack. Make sure it supports your server's Minecraft version.
2. Open the file manager and go into your world folder (world, or the name in level-name).
3. Open the datapacks folder. Create it if it does not exist.
4. Upload the .zip file. Do not extract it; Minecraft reads zips directly. An extracted folder also works if it contains pack.mcmeta at its top level.
5. In the console, run:

reload

6. Check it loaded:

datapack list

Enabled packs are shown with names like file/my-pack.zip.

On Paper, the datapacks folder is inside the main world folder, not world_nether or world_the_end. One copy applies to all dimensions.

Enable or disable a pack#

datapack disable "file/my-pack.zip"
datapack enable "file/my-pack.zip"

To remove a pack completely, disable it, stop the server, and delete the file.

World generation data packs#

Packs that change terrain, biomes, structures or dimensions only affect chunks generated after the pack is added. For a pack that changes the whole world's terrain, add it before the world is created:

1. Stop the server.
2. Set a new level-name or remove the old world. See generate a new world.
3. Create the new world folder and a datapacks folder inside it, for example world/datapacks, and upload the pack there.
4. Start the server. The world is generated with the pack active.

Some world generation packs need a restart rather than reload to take effect.

Pack does not load?#

• Wrong version. Each data pack declares a pack format. If it does not match your server version, the pack may be flagged as incompatible or fail to load. The console usually prints a warning.
• Zip structure. Open the zip on your computer. pack.mcmeta and the data folder must be at the top level, not inside another folder.
• Wrong folder. It must be in your active world's datapacks folder, matching level-name.
• Errors in the pack. Run reload and read the console. Broken functions are reported there.

Data packs vs plugins vs mods#

Data packs are a good way to add features like custom crafting recipes, more mob heads or new structures to a Vanilla server without changing the server software. For client-side visuals, see server resource packs.