> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/PaperMC/Paper/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation

> Learn how to download and install Paper for your Minecraft server

Paper is a high-performance Minecraft server that aims to fix gameplay and mechanics inconsistencies. This guide will walk you through downloading and installing Paper on your server.

## Requirements

Before installing Paper, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

<Note>
  Paper requires **Java 21** to run. Make sure you have the correct Java version installed before proceeding.
</Note>

* Java 21 or higher
* Minimum 2GB RAM (4GB+ recommended)
* A supported operating system (Windows, Linux, macOS)

### Verify Java Installation

Check your Java version by running:

```bash theme={null}
java -version
```

You should see output indicating Java 21 or higher. If not, download and install Java 21 from [Adoptium](https://adoptium.net/) or your preferred Java distribution.

## Downloading Paper

<Steps>
  <Step title="Visit the Paper downloads page">
    Navigate to [papermc.io/downloads/paper](https://papermc.io/downloads/paper) to access the official Paper downloads.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your Minecraft version">
    Choose the Minecraft version you want to run on your server. Paper supports multiple Minecraft versions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download the Paperclip jar">
    Download the latest build for your selected Minecraft version. The file will be named something like `paper-1.21.11-XXX.jar`.

    <Tip>
      Paperclip is a jar file that you can download and run just like a normal jar file. It handles all the setup for you automatically.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Installation Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a server directory">
    Create a new directory for your server files:

    <CodeGroup>
      ```bash Windows theme={null}
      mkdir paper-server
      cd paper-server
      ```

      ```bash Linux/macOS theme={null}
      mkdir paper-server
      cd paper-server
      ```
    </CodeGroup>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Move the Paper jar">
    Move or copy the downloaded Paper jar file into your server directory and optionally rename it for convenience:

    <CodeGroup>
      ```bash Windows theme={null}
      move Downloads\paper-*.jar server.jar
      ```

      ```bash Linux/macOS theme={null}
      mv ~/Downloads/paper-*.jar server.jar
      ```
    </CodeGroup>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Paper for the first time">
    Run the Paper jar to initialize the server:

    ```bash theme={null}
    java -Xms2G -Xmx2G -jar server.jar --nogui
    ```

    <Note>
      * `-Xms2G` sets the initial memory allocation
      * `-Xmx2G` sets the maximum memory allocation
      * `--nogui` disables the graphical interface (recommended for servers)
      * Adjust memory values based on your available RAM
    </Note>

    The server will create configuration files and then stop, prompting you to accept the EULA.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Accept the EULA">
    Open the `eula.txt` file that was created and change `eula=false` to `eula=true`:

    ```txt eula.txt theme={null}
    eula=true
    ```

    <Warning>
      By changing this to true, you are indicating your agreement to Mojang's [EULA](https://aka.ms/MinecraftEULA).
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start your server">
    Run the same command again to start your server:

    ```bash theme={null}
    java -Xms2G -Xmx2G -jar server.jar --nogui
    ```

    Your Paper server is now running! Players can connect using your server's IP address.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Additional Startup Options

Paper supports various command-line options to customize your server:

```bash theme={null}
java -jar server.jar [options]
```

### Common Options

* `--port <port>` - Set the server port (default: 25565)
* `--world <world-name>` - Set the world name
* `--plugins <directory>` - Set the plugins directory
* `--config <file>` - Specify a custom server.properties file
* `--bukkit-settings <file>` - Specify a custom bukkit.yml file
* `--spigot-settings <file>` - Specify a custom spigot.yml file
* `--paper-dir <directory>` - Set the Paper configuration directory
* `--nogui` - Disable the graphical console
* `--noconsole` - Disable the console entirely

<Tip>
  For production servers, consider creating a startup script to manage your server more easily. See the [Quick Start](/getting-started/quickstart) guide for examples.
</Tip>

## Next Steps

Now that you have Paper installed:

* Follow the [Quick Start](/getting-started/quickstart) guide to get your server running
* Learn about [Configuration](/getting-started/configuration) to customize your server
* Explore the full documentation at [docs.papermc.io](https://docs.papermc.io)

## Getting Help

If you need assistance:

* Visit the [Paper forums](https://forums.papermc.io/)
* Join the [Discord community](https://discord.gg/papermc)
* Check the official [documentation](https://docs.papermc.io)