# Manage Minecraft files and SFTP

> Upload worlds, plugins, mods, and configuration files safely through the browser or SFTP.

Use **Server → Files** for browser-based management and **Server → SSH / SFTP** for a desktop client or command line.

## Before changing files

1. Create a completed [backup](/minecraft/backups/).
2. Stop the server cleanly.
3. Confirm that the plugin, mod, world, or configuration matches the installed server family and Minecraft version.

## Use the browser file manager

The file manager supports uploads, downloads, editing, folders, rename, copy, move, delete, compression, and extraction. Upload archives before extracting when transferring many files, and check whether extraction created an unwanted extra folder level.

Common locations depend on server software, but worlds and directories such as `plugins`, `mods`, and configuration folders are created by the installed runtime. Do not invent a missing directory without checking that server family's documentation.

## Connect with SFTP

1. Open **SSH / SFTP**.
2. Copy the host, port, username, and password.
3. Use the displayed command or enter the values in an SFTP client.

```bash
sftp -P PORT USERNAME@HOST
```

Use **Rotate Password** if the SFTP password may be exposed, then update all saved clients. The new password replaces the old one.

## Replace a world

1. Stop the server and download the current world or create a backup.
2. Upload the replacement world folder completely.
3. Confirm `level-name` in the server configuration matches the folder name.
4. Start and follow **Console**.
5. Join and verify spawn, dimensions, player data, and plugins.

Never overwrite a live world while players or automatic saves are active.

## Add plugins or mods

Use only the directory and file format required by the selected server family. Client and server mod versions must match when the modpack requires it. If startup fails, remove or rename only the newly added item, then retest.