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How to Install Fabric on Your Minecraft Server

What Is Fabric?​

Fabric is a modern, lightweight mod loader for Minecraft that allows you to install mods to customize your server. Unlike Forge, Fabric is:

  • Ultra-fast: Available within hours of each Minecraft update
  • Performant: Consumes fewer server resources
  • Simple: One-click installation on LordHosting
  • Flexible: Compatible with thousands of mods (Sodium, Lithium, etc.)

Perfect for: Fabric is ideal if you want optimization mods, lightweight gameplay additions, or if you play on the latest Minecraft versions!

Before You Start​

Make sure you have:

  • An active Minecraft server at LordHosting
  • Access to your Pterodactyl panel
  • 5 minutes of your time!

Important: Fabric is not compatible with Forge mods. If you're already using Forge, your mods won't work with Fabric.

Installing Fabric (Simple Method)​

Step 1: Access Your Panel​

  1. Log in to game.lordhosting.fr
  2. Select your Minecraft server
  3. Click the "Version" tab in the left menu

Step 2: Change the Server Version​

  1. In the "Version" section, find the "Fabric" field
  2. Click the Fabric button

Fabric Selection

Step 3: Choose Your Minecraft Version​

  1. A new field appears: "Minecraft Version"
  2. Select your desired Minecraft version (e.g., 1.20.4)
  3. Accept the EULA
  4. Click "Change Version" to apply changes

Which version to choose?

  • Stable Version: For most players (recommended)
  • Latest Version: To test new features (may have bugs)

Step 4: Restart the Server​

  1. The server will restart automatically
  2. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute
  3. Check the startup logs

In the console, you should see:

[12:34:56] [Server thread/INFO]: Loading Minecraft 1.20.4 with Fabric Loader 0.15.0
[12:34:57] [Server thread/INFO]: Done! Server is ready

Success! If you see these lines, Fabric is installed successfully!

Installing Fabric Mods​

Step 1: Download Fabric API (Required)​

Fabric API is required by most mods. Without it, your mods won't work!

  1. Go to Modrinth - Fabric API
  2. Click "Versions"
  3. Download the version matching your Minecraft version (e.g., 1.20.4)

Step 2: Upload Fabric API to Your Server​

Via the File Manager (Recommended):

  1. In your panel, go to the "Files" tab
  2. Open the "mods" folder (created automatically on first startup)
  3. Click "Upload" in the top right
  4. Select the downloaded fabric-api-x.x.x.jar file
  5. Wait for upload to complete

Via FTP (Alternative):

  1. Connect via FTP with your LordHosting credentials
  2. Navigate to the mods/ folder
  3. Drag and drop the fabric-api-x.x.x.jar file

Tip: The mods/ folder is created automatically on first startup after installing Fabric. If you don't see it, restart the server once!

Step 3: Add Other Mods​

Now that Fabric API is installed, you can add any Fabric mod:

  1. Find a mod on Modrinth or CurseForge
  2. Verify it's compatible with your Minecraft version
  3. Download the .jar file
  4. Upload it to the mods/ folder (like Fabric API)
  5. Restart the server

Warning: Always verify the mod is compatible with both your Minecraft version AND Fabric Loader version!

Server Optimization Mods​

These mods improve your server's performance:

ModDescriptionLink
LithiumOptimizes the game engineDownload
PhosphorImproves lighting systemDownload
StarlightComplete lighting engine rewriteDownload

Gameplay Mods​

ModDescriptionLink
CarpetTools for administratorsDownload
ViaVersionAllows multiple Minecraft versionsDownload
Voice ChatIn-game voice communicationDownload

Client vs Server Mods:

  • Server-only: Players don't need to install them (e.g., Lithium)
  • Client and Server: Everyone must have the mod (e.g., new blocks, items)

Managing Your Mods​

Enable/Disable a Mod​

To temporarily disable a mod without deleting it:

  1. Go to "Files" > "mods"
  2. Click the 3 dots next to the mod
  3. Click "Rename"
  4. Add .disabled at the end: my-mod.jar.disabled
  5. Restart the server

To re-enable, remove .disabled from the name.

Update a Mod​

  1. Download the new mod version
  2. In your panel, delete the old version
  3. Upload the new version
  4. Restart the server

Tip: Always backup before updating important mods!

View Installed Mods​

In-game, type the command:

/fabric mods

This displays the complete list of active mods on the server.

Common Problems and Solutions​

Server Won't Start​

Symptoms: Server crashes at startup, stuck on "Starting"

Solutions:

  1. Check the logs in your panel's "Console" tab
  2. Look for lines with [ERROR] or [FATAL]
  3. Common causes:
    • Incompatible Java version (use Java 17+ for Minecraft 1.18+)
    • Mod incompatible with Minecraft version
    • Conflict between two mods

Quick fix:

  • Remove the last mod added
  • Restart the server
  • Add mods one by one to identify the problem

"Mod requires fabric-api" Error​

Error message:

net.fabricmc.loader.impl.FormattedException: Mod 'example-mod' requires version X.X.X of fabric-api

Solution:

  • You haven't installed Fabric API, or the version is too old
  • Download the latest Fabric API version compatible with your Minecraft
  • Replace the old file in mods/

Players Can't Connect​

Error: "Incompatible mod set" or "Mod rejections"

Cause: Players must have exactly the same mods as the server (for client-side mods).

Solution:

  1. Create a list of all your mods
  2. Share it with your players
  3. They must install Fabric + the same mods in their Minecraft launcher

Tip: Create a modpack with Modrinth App or Prism Launcher and share it with your players!

Performance Issues​

Symptoms: Lag, low TPS, saturated RAM

Solutions:

  1. Install optimization mods:

    • Lithium
    • Starlight
    • FerriteCore

  2. Limit the number of mods:

    • Start with 5-10 mods maximum
    • Test performance before adding more

  3. Increase RAM:

    • Upgrade your LordHosting plan if needed
    • Contact support for an upgrade

  4. Check the logs:

    • Identify mods causing warnings
    • Remove resource-heavy mods

Fabric vs Forge: Which Should You Choose?​

CriteriaFabricForge
Update SpeedHours after Minecraft releaseDays/weeks
PerformanceExcellentGood
Installation Ease1 click on LordHostingMore complex
Number of Mods~15,000 mods~40,000 mods
Latest VersionsAlways up-to-dateSometimes delayed
Technical ModsSodium, Lithium, IrisOptiFine, JEI, Tinkers

Our Recommendation:

  • Fabric - If you play Minecraft 1.18+, want optimal performance, or use mods like Sodium
  • Forge - If you need large modpacks (FTB, ATM) or Forge-specific mods

Tips for a Successful Fabric Server​

Security​

Only download from official sources:

Avoid:

  • Shady reupload sites
  • "Cracked" or pirated mods
  • Unmoderated forums

Check reviews:

  • Download count
  • Last update date
  • User comments

Optimization​

For a smooth server:

  1. Start light: 3-5 mods maximum initially
  2. Test after each addition: Restart and verify everything works
  3. Install optimization mods: Lithium as priority
  4. Monitor RAM: At least 2 GB for a Fabric server with mods
  5. Regular backups: Before every major modification

Communication with Players​

Create clear documentation:

  • Required mods list
  • Installation instructions
  • Link to your Discord

Prepare your players:

  • Warn them before adding/removing mods
  • Explain planned restarts
  • Create a Discord channel for technical support

Make access easy:

  • Share a ready-to-use modpack
  • Offer a video tutorial
  • Help beginners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

Can I switch from Forge to Fabric without losing my world?

Yes, your Minecraft world (.mca files) is compatible with both. However:

  • Blocks/items added by Forge mods will disappear
  • Make a complete backup before switching
  • Players will need to reinstall their Fabric mods

How many mods can I install?

It depends on your LordHosting plan:

  • 4 GB RAM: 5-10 light mods
  • 8 GB RAM: 15-25 mods
  • 16 GB+ RAM: 30-50 mods or more

Optimization mods (Lithium) count little, large mods (dimensions, mobs) count a lot (in RAM & CPU resources).

Do players need to install Fabric too?

It depends on the mods:

  • Server-only mods: No (e.g., Lithium, Phosphor)
  • Shared mods: Yes, server AND client (e.g., new blocks, items, dimensions)

Check the mod's page to see if it's "server-side", "client-side", or "both".

How do I create a modpack for my players?

Quick solution with Modrinth App:

  1. Install Modrinth App
  2. Create a profile with your mods
  3. Export as .mrpack
  4. Share the file with your players
  5. They import it into Modrinth App - Ready!

Does Fabric work with Bukkit/Spigot plugins?

Not directly. Fabric is a mod loader, not a Bukkit server.

If you want Fabric mods + Bukkit plugins, use:

  • Cardboard (experimental): Allows using plugins on Fabric
  • Or choose between mods (Fabric) or plugins (Paper/Spigot)

Pre-Launch Checklist​

Before opening your server to players:

  • Fabric is installed and server starts correctly
  • Fabric API is in the mods/ folder
  • All mods are compatible with your Minecraft version
  • You tested the server for 10-15 minutes
  • You made a complete backup
  • You created a mod list for your players
  • You prepared a modpack or installation tutorial
  • You tested connection from a Fabric client
  • You configured mod permissions (if needed)

Conclusion​

Congratulations! You now know how to install and manage Fabric on your LordHosting server. In just a few clicks from your Pterodactyl panel, you can:

  • Install Fabric in under 2 minutes
  • Add mods to customize your server
  • Optimize performance with Lithium and Starlight
  • Create a unique experience for your players

Remember to start simple, test regularly, and backup often. The Fabric community is very active, and our LordHosting team is here to help!​

Ready to Launch Your Server?​

At LordHosting, we offer optimized Minecraft servers with AMD Ryzen 9 processors, ultra-fast NVMe storage, and included Anti-DDoS protection.

Our plans start at $3.99/month and include:

  • 1-click installation of all modpacks (ATM10, RLCraft, Pixelmon, Cobblemon...)
  • Intuitive management panel
  • 24/7 technical support
  • Instant RAM upgrade without data loss

Discover our Minecraft hosting plans

Need help? Our support team is available 24/7 on Discord or via our ticket system. Don't hesitate!

Happy gaming on your Fabric server!

Last updated: January 2026 Compatible with: Minecraft 1.20.x | Fabric Loader 0.15.x | LordHosting Pterodactyl Panel