---
title: Create your first server
description: Create a Minecraft server, start it, and join with the address shown in the panel.
---

This guide takes you from the dashboard to a working Minecraft server.

## 1. Open the server creator

Sign in to the [SwiftServers panel](https://panel.swiftservers.org), then click **Create Server**.

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** Dashboard with the **Create Server** button highlighted.

  Planned file: `assets/getting-started/first-server/create-server-button.png`
</Info>

## 2. Name the server

Enter a name between 3 and 16 characters. The panel shows the join address while it checks whether the name is available.

Server addresses use this format:

```text
your-server.swiftservers.org
```

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** The **Basics** step showing an available server name and its join address.

  Planned file: `assets/getting-started/first-server/server-name.png`
</Info>

## 3. Choose a category and software

Choose the kind of server you want, then select its software.

- Choose **Paper** for a normal server with plugins.
- Choose **Fabric**, **Forge**, or **NeoForge** for mods or a modpack.
- Choose **Vanilla** if you do not need plugins or mods.

Not sure which one to use? Read [Plugins, mods, and server software](/guides/mods-vs-plugins).

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** The **Software** step with Paper, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Vanilla visible.

  Planned file: `assets/getting-started/first-server/software-picker.png`
</Info>

## 4. Pick a version and world

Select the Minecraft version your players will use. Newer versions are usually the easiest choice for a new server.

The **World** step lets you set the world name, seed, type, difficulty, game mode, structures, and hardcore mode. Leave the defaults in place if you are unsure.

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** The world settings with the default choices selected.

  Planned file: `assets/getting-started/first-server/world-settings.png`
</Info>

## 5. Review and create

Check the name, software, version, world settings, and address. Click **Create server** when everything looks right.

Wait for installation to finish, then click **Open server**. On **Console**, wait until the status shows **Running**.

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** The completed server screen showing the join address and **Open server** button.

  Planned file: `assets/getting-started/first-server/server-created.png`
</Info>

## 6. Join the server

In Minecraft Java Edition, open **Multiplayer**, add a server, and paste the address shown in the panel.

You can also join `play.swiftservers.org` and run:

```text
/join your-server
```

Use a genuine Minecraft account and the same Minecraft version as the server. If joining fails, follow [Fix connection problems](/troubleshooting/connection).