Before you create your server
The first decision is which Minecraft edition you want to host.
CoolCraft supports Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock
Edition servers. You should normally choose the edition used by
the people who will be joining your server.
Java Edition is commonly used when you want Java server software,
plugins, or mods. Bedrock Edition is designed for Bedrock players
on supported PCs, phones, tablets, and other Bedrock devices.
Step 1: Create or sign in to your CoolCraft account
Open CoolCraft Network Hosting and sign in to your account. If you
do not have an account yet, create one first. Once signed in, open
your dashboard.
Step 2: Start the server creation process
From the dashboard, choose the option to create a server. CoolCraft
will ask which Minecraft edition you want to use.
- Java Edition for a Java Minecraft server.
- Bedrock Edition for a Bedrock Minecraft server.
Step 3: Choose your server software
If you choose Java Edition, you can select from several server
software options. The best choice depends on what you want to do
with the server.
- Paper is a strong general-purpose choice for plugin servers.
- Purpur builds on Paper and provides additional customization.
- Spigot is a long-established plugin server platform.
- Fabric is commonly used for lightweight modded servers.
- Forge is used by many larger Minecraft modpacks.
- Vanilla provides the standard Minecraft server experience.
Not sure which one to choose?
For a typical Java server where you want plugins, Paper is a
good place to start. You can also read our software comparison
guides before deciding.
Step 4: Select a Minecraft version
Choose the specific Minecraft version your server should run.
Players normally need a compatible Minecraft version to connect,
and plugins or mods may only support certain versions.
CoolCraft asks you to select an explicit Minecraft version rather
than hiding the choice behind a generic “Latest” option. This makes
it clearer which version your server is actually being created with.
Step 5: Choose your server name
Give the server a recognizable name. This is especially useful if
you manage multiple servers from your CoolCraft dashboard.
Your server name does not have to be the same as the address your
friends use to connect.
Step 6: Review and create the server
Review the edition, software, Minecraft version, and server name
before continuing. Once you submit the server, CoolCraft begins
provisioning it through the hosting system.
After creation is complete, you can open the server console and
manage files, settings, users, backups, and other available tools
from the control panel.
Step 7: Start the server
Open the server console and start the server. A first startup can
take longer than later startups because the server may need to
download files, generate configuration files, and create a new
Minecraft world.
Watch the console during startup. When the server reports that it
has finished loading, it should be ready for players.
Connecting to your server
Use the server address and port shown for your server in the
CoolCraft panel. Add that address to Minecraft's multiplayer server
list and connect using the correct Minecraft edition and version.
If a friend cannot connect, first check that the server is online,
that they are using the correct address, and that their Minecraft
version is compatible with the server.
What can you do next?
Once your server works, you can begin customizing it. Depending on
your selected server software, that may include installing plugins,
adding mods, uploading an existing world, changing server settings,
or giving trusted users access to help manage the server.
Ready to create one?
You can create and manage your Minecraft server from the
CoolCraft Network Hosting dashboard.
Create an Account