---
title: Files, worlds, and backups
description: Upload server files, replace a world, use SFTP, and create or restore backups safely.
---

Stop the server before replacing worlds or changing several files at once. Create a backup before any change you may need to undo.

## Use the file manager

Open your server and select **Files**. From here you can upload, download, rename, edit, archive, and unarchive files.

For a ZIP file, upload it first, open its menu, and select **Unarchive**.

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** File manager toolbar with **Upload** and a file menu containing **Unarchive**.

  Planned file: `assets/guides/files-worlds-backups/file-manager.png`
</Info>

## Upload a world

1. Stop the server from **Console**.
2. Open **Files**.
3. Rename the existing `world` folder so you can recover it if needed.
4. Upload the replacement world as a ZIP file.
5. Open the ZIP file's menu and select **Unarchive**.
6. Make sure the extracted world folder has the name expected by the server, usually `world`.
7. Start the server and check **Console** for errors.

The world files must be directly inside the world folder. Avoid an extra level such as `world/MyWorld/level.dat`; the usual layout is `world/level.dat`.

<Warning>
  Opening a world on an older Minecraft version can permanently damage it. Keep a backup and avoid downgrading worlds.
</Warning>

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** Files page showing `world/level.dat` at the correct folder depth.

  Planned file: `assets/guides/files-worlds-backups/world-folder.png`
</Info>

## Connect with SFTP

Use SFTP for large uploads or many files.

1. Open **Files**, then **SFTP**.
2. Copy the address, port, username, and dedicated SFTP password shown there.
3. Enter those details in an SFTP client such as FileZilla or WinSCP.

Use SFTP, not plain FTP. Keep the SFTP password private.

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** SFTP page with the connection fields visible and the password hidden.

  Planned file: `assets/guides/files-worlds-backups/sftp-details.png`
</Info>

## Create a backup

Open **Resources**, select **Backups**, then click **Create backup**. Give it a useful name and click **Start backup**.

Wait until the backup finishes successfully before making risky changes. A locked backup cannot be deleted until it is unlocked.

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** Backups page with **Create backup** highlighted and one completed backup listed.

  Planned file: `assets/guides/files-worlds-backups/create-backup.png`
</Info>

## Restore a backup

Open the completed backup's menu and choose **Restore**. The server stops while the restore runs.

The restore window includes **Delete all files before restoring backup**:

- Leave it off to place the backup over the current files.
- Turn it on for a clean restore that removes files created after the backup.

<Warning>
  A clean restore deletes the current server files before extraction. Download or back up anything you still need.
</Warning>

You cannot start the server, use the file manager, or create another backup until restoration finishes.

<Info>
  **Screenshot coming soon:** Restore confirmation with the delete-all-files option visible.

  Planned file: `assets/guides/files-worlds-backups/restore-backup.png`
</Info>