Install Fabric on Your Minecraft Server

Published 9 June 2026 · By Host Havoc Technical Support Team

Fabric is a lightweight mod loader for Minecraft that supports a wide range of versions. It uses a similar file-based install method to Forge. Before starting, connect to your server via FTP.

Fabric JAR filename reference

Minecraft versionRename fabric-server-launch.jar to
1.0 - 1.11.2custom-1112below.jar
1.12 - 1.16.5custom.jar
1.17.xcustom-java-16.jar
1.18 - 1.20.4custom-java-17.jar
1.20.5+custom-java-21.jar

Steps

  1. Visit the Fabric download page and click Download universal jar.
    Fabric installer download page with Download universal jar button highlighted
  2. Run the installer JAR and select the Server tab.
    Fabric installer showing the Server tab selected
  3. Set the Minecraft Version and Loader Version you want to use.
  4. Set the Install Location to a local folder, then click Install.
  5. When the Server successfully installed window appears, click Download server jar, then click Done and close the installer.
    Fabric installer Server successfully installed confirmation with Download server jar button
  6. In the installation folder, find fabric-server-launch.jar and rename it using the table above based on your Minecraft version.
    File Explorer showing fabric-server-launch.jar renamed according to the Minecraft version
  7. Connect via FTP and upload all Fabric server files (the renamed JAR, libraries folder, and server.jar) to the root directory of your Minecraft server.
  8. In the Minecraft panel, find the JAR File option and select the option that matches your Fabric version (the same options used for custom JARs).
    Multicraft JAR File dropdown showing Fabric-compatible JAR option selected
  9. Click Save and start your server.

Tip: Fabric mods go in the /mods folder on your server, just like Forge mods. See our guide on connecting via FTP to upload them.

Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
Server does not startConfirm the renamed JAR matches the filename in the reference table exactly.
Mods not loadingEnsure mods are placed in the /mods folder and are Fabric-compatible.
Version mismatchThe Fabric Loader version and Minecraft version must be compatible; check the Fabric website.