How To Edit Config Files on a Minecraft Server

Config files are what give you full control over your Minecraft server. Whether you’re changing plugin messages, adjusting how often mobs spawn, or updating the welcome message players see in the multiplayer menu, it all begins with your server’s config files.

At first, editing them might feel a bit overwhelming but once you understand where to find them and how to make changes the right way, it becomes a simple and powerful tool. From tweaking mod behavior to fine-tuning plugin settings, spending a few minutes with your config files can make a big difference in shaping the experience for you and your players.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of config files, show you where they’re located, and explain how to safely make changes.

Types of Server Config Files and Where to Find Them

There are three main types of config files on a Minecraft server:

• Server software files
• Plugin config files
• Mod config files

Each of these lives in a different place, so it helps to know what you’re looking for before diving in.

Server Software Config Files

These files control the core behavior of your server. Every Minecraft server includes a file called server.properties, which holds many basic settings for your server.

👋Tip: You can find all of the vanilla Minecraft server config settings here.

If you're using server software like Paper or Purpur, which is based on Bukkit and Spigot, you’ll also see files such as:

• paper.yml
• spigot.yml
• purpur.yml
• bukkit.yml

These control additional server settings based on the software you are using.

Locating Server Config Files

You can find your server's config files in the main directory by clicking on the File Manager tab in your server's control panel.

This includes the server.properties file but also the paper.yml, purpur.yml, bukkit.yml, spigot.yml files, and other general server configuration files depending on the server software being used.

Plugin Config Files

Plugin config files are what you will use to make changes and interact with your plugins. With these, you can change different aspects of plugins. 

Exactly what can be changed depends on the plugin, but it could include everything from what features of the plugin are used, where the plugin stores data, and even what text the plugin displays to players in-game. 

Locating Plugin Config Files

Plugin config files live inside the Plugins folder on your server. Each plugin has its own folder in there. Open the folder for the plugin you want to customize, and you’ll find its config file(s) inside usually called config.yml.

Mod Config Files

Mods also have config files, and just like plugins, they let you change how the mod behaves. 

Locating Mod Config Files

There are two main places to check for mod config files. The first place to check is the config folder in your server’s main directory. This is typically where most mod config files or folders are stored, each one corresponding to a specific mod.

⚠️Heads Up: The file types here can look a little different, and it’s normal to see .toml files used for mod configs.

The second possible location is a standalone folder in the main directory of the File Manager, usually named after the mod or a shortened version of its name. When you open it, you’ll find the config files inside. There may be additional subfolders to go through to find the file you're looking for.

📒Note: For some mods, config files also need to be updated on each player’s computer in their .minecraft folder, not just on the server. This is especially common on modded servers or when using modpacks. If you make changes server-side, be sure your players do the same locally to avoid issues.

Editing Config Files

Now that you know the different config files for your Minecraft server and how to locate them, let's move on to how you can edit config files on your server. There are two ways to edit the server config files on your SimpleGameHosting server.

Via The File Manager

Using this method, you can edit your server's config files without having to download anything. 

1. Login to SimpleGameHosting Control Panel
2. Select the server whose config files you want to edit. 
3. Click the File Manager tab in the menu bar. All of the folders and files you have on your server will appear. 
4. Navigate to and click on the file you want to edit. When you do, the file will open. You will see all of the servers, and you can edit the config file right in the Files menu. 
5. When you are finished changing the config file, click Save Content in the top right. 
6. Restart your server in order for the changes to take effect.

It's that easy to edit config files in the SimpleGameHosting control panel. 

Via SFTP & a Text Editor

If you prefer to use SFTP to download your config files locally and edit them with a text editor, you can. 

1. First, log in to your server via SFTP. We have a complete guide on using SFTP if you haven't logged in to your server yet.
2. Download the config files using your FTP client. 
3. Open the config files using a text editor like Notepad++ or  VSCode. 
4. Edit the config files and save them. 
5. Upload the config files to your server via the FTP client. Make sure to overwrite the old config file. 
6. Restart your server for your changes to take effect on the server. 

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!