How To Add Permissions to Your Minecraft Server

8 min. readlast update: 06.05.2025

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up permissions on your Minecraft server using LuckPerms, a powerful and actively maintained permissions plugin. The following guide is going to assume you have your server setup for the version of LuckPerms you're trying to use. 

What is LuckPerms?

LuckPerms gives server admins complete control over what players can access by allowing the creation of groups and the assignment of specific permissions. It's fast, reliable, and easy to use, with support for flexible storage options and full customization. One of its most popular features is the Web Editor, a user-friendly interface that lets you manage permissions without needing to use in-game commands.

You can view a demo of the Web Editor here.

LuckPerms Installation Instructions

 🛑 Stop: Before you begin, make sure you have started your server at least once to generate the necessary files and folders and that your server is offline.

1. Download the LuckPerms file that matches your server type:

  • Bukkit version for Paper or Purpur servers
  • Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric version for modded servers

2. Use the Upload button (top right of the plugins or mods folder) or drag and drop the file directly into the appropriate folder:

  • /plugins folder for Paper/Purpur
    • If you need further help with installing Plugins, visit this guide!
  • /mods folder for Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric
    • If you need further help with installing Mods, visit this guide!

3. Open the Console tab in your server panel and click Start to turn your server online.
LuckPerms will activate on startup and automatically generate its default configuration files.

  • Watch the console for any errors to confirm that LuckPerms has loaded correctly.

🍀LuckPerms is now installed and ready to use!🍀

Important Files and Folders Created by LuckPerms

Once you’ve successfully installed LuckPerms, the plugin will automatically generate its configuration files and folders. These will appear in the plugins folder for most setups, or in the config folder if you're using a modded server.

  • If you're using plugins on your server, go to the File Manager, open the /plugins folder, and then open the LuckPerms folder.
  • If you're using mods, go to the File Manager, open the /config folder, locate the /LuckPerms folder inside, and open it to view its contents.

Here are the files you'll need to be aware of:

config.yml

  • This is the primary configuration file for LuckPerms on servers running Paper, Purpur, Bukkit, Spigot, and similar platforms. It controls the general behavior and settings of the plugin.

luckperms.conf

  • This file is used instead of config.yml on Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric servers. It serves the same purpose but is tailored to those platforms.

luckperms-h2-v2.mv.db

  • This is LuckPerms’ default database file, where all permission data is stored.
⚠️ Important: Do not delete this file. It contains all of your server’s permission settings and removing it will result in the loss of critical data.

Accessing the LuckPerms Web Editor

Once you’ve installed LuckPerms on your server, follow these steps to open the web editor, which allows for easy, visual permission management without needing to use commands:

1. Go to the Console tab in your server panel. Locate the blank text box beside the Start/Stop/Restart buttons.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

  • /lp editor

3. After running the command, you’ll see the following messages in your console logs:

[LP] Preparing a new editor session, please wait...
[LP] Click the link below to open the editor:
https://luckperms.net/editor/yoururl ← (Click the URL provided to open the web editor.)
[LP] An editor window has connected, but it is not yet trusted.
[LP] (session id = 0000-0000, browser = Browser on OS)
[LP] If it was you, run /lp trusteditor yourcode to trust the session!

4. Click the URL provided by LuckPerms after executing the command in Step 3.

5. When the web editor loads, a pop-up will prompt you to validate the session. Click the command shown in the popup to copy it, then paste it in-game and press Enter.

A suceesfull connection will look like:

Once validated, you’ll gain full access to the editor, where you can manage permissions, ranks, nicknames, and more.

Configuring Permissions with the LuckPerms Web Editor

On your server, various features and commands are either built-in or added through plugins or mods. Access to these is controlled using permissions which are simple strings called permission nodes (example, minecraft.command.ban).

Each permission node can be set to one of three values:

  • true – Grants the player access to the feature or command.
  • false – Denies access.
  • undefined – Not explicitly set; usually treated as false, though some plugins may treat it as true unless specified.

When LuckPerms is first installed, no one has permission to use its commands. To give yourself full access:

1. Log into your server and open the console.

2. Run the following command: 

  • lp user <your username> permission set luckperms.* true
    • This command grants your user the luckperms.* permission. The asterisk (*) is a wildcard, giving you access to all LuckPerms-related commands.

3. If done successful, you should see the following message appear in your console logs:


Assigning & Removing Permissions to Individual Players

The easiest way to get started with LuckPerms is by assigning permissions directly to players. Here’s how: 

1. On the left toolbar, click the Users dropdown to see players who’ve connected to your server.

2. Click on the player you want to configure.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the editor to find the Add Permissions section. Click the box and type the permission you want to add, then press Enter. For example:

  • minecraft.command.kick – allows kicking players
  • minecraft.command.ban – allows banning players
  • minecraft.command.teleport – allows teleporting

🗒Note: If the command you're looking for isn't listed, it may require an additional plugin or mod to be installed before it becomes available for use or assignment.

4. Click the + Add button on the bottom right, then click Save at the top right.
You’ll be prompted to run a command in-game to apply the changes.

To remove permissions:

1. Click the X next to the permission.

2. Click Save at the top right.

3. Run the prompted command to apply the update.

After running the command in-game, a message will appear in chat showing the changes made. This message is only visible to the player who used the command. 

For example,

This shows the permissions to kick, ban, and teleport were assigned to the highlighted player.

This shows the permissions to kick, ban, and teleport were removed from the highlighted player and the player being unable to use the commands in-game.

For more in depth Permission configuration details, visit the LuckPerms Wiki.


Creating Groups in LuckPerms

Permission groups simplify player management by letting you assign a set of permissions to multiple players based on their role. Instead of setting permissions for each player individually, you can organize them into groups. This keeps your server organized and ensures players have the correct access. You can also set a default group for new players, automatically assigning them specific permissions when they join.

For example:

  • Create a "New Players" group with limited access. New players are automatically added to this group.
  • Set up "Staff" or "Admin" groups with special permissions for moderation or server management.

Creating a Group

💡Tip: If you're looking to edit the default groups settings, find more information on how to do that here!

1. Open the Web Editor and click the + next to the Group dropdown on the left toolbar.

2. Enter a name for your group.

  • Advanced settings are available but can be edited later.

3. Click Add Group at the bottom to create it. You’ll be taken to the group’s settings page.

Adding Permissions to a Group

1. In the group settings page, scroll to the Add Permissions box at the bottom.

2. Type the permission, click Add on the right, then Save in the top-right corner.

3. Copy the command shown and run it in-game to apply the changes.

Assigning a Player to a Group

🗒Note: By default, all players are placed in the "default" group. While you can remove players from this group, it cannot be deleted. To manage its permissions, click on "default" in the Groups tab, then add or restrict permissions as needed.

1. In the Web Editor, click the Users tab on the left to expand it.

2. Under Web Permissions Editor, click the green + next to Parent Groups.

3. Select the group from the dropdown, click Save at the top right, and run the given command in-game.

For more in depth Group configuration details, visit the LuckPerms Wiki.


If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team by submitting a Support Ticket or contacting us directly via LiveChat!

Was this article helpful?