> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://catalyst.leifiyo.dev/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a server

> Create Paper, Purpur, Fabric, and Vanilla servers from the Catalyst UI.

The server creation flow lives on the **Servers** page. Catalyst creates a folder, resolves the correct server download, checks Java, writes a starter script, and stores the server record.

## Supported server types

| Platform | Best for                                                    | CatalystAnalytics           | Modrinth content                   |
| -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Paper    | Plugin-based survival, SMP, and performance-focused servers | Yes                         | Plugins                            |
| Purpur   | Paper-compatible servers with extra configuration           | Yes                         | Plugins                            |
| Fabric   | Modded servers using Fabric loader                          | No bundled analytics plugin | Mods                               |
| Vanilla  | Clean Mojang server builds                                  | No                          | Not managed by the content browser |

<Note>
  The current creation UI exposes Paper, Purpur, Fabric, and Vanilla. Forge-related labels can appear in some source code and historical notes, but Forge is not part of the active server creation flow.
</Note>

## Creation fields

<Accordion title="Server name">
  Catalyst trims invalid Windows filename characters, trailing dots, and unsafe whitespace. If a folder name already exists, Catalyst adds a numeric suffix.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Minecraft version">
  The version selector includes modern releases back through 1.7.10. Catalyst uses the selected version to choose the required Java version and compatible server download.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Memory">
  Presets include common allocations such as 2 GB, 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, and 16 GB. Custom memory is capped by available system RAM.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="CatalystAnalytics">
  The analytics toggle appears for Paper and Purpur. When enabled, Catalyst copies the bundled `CatalystAnalytics.jar` into the server's `plugins` folder.
</Accordion>

## What happens during creation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Resolve the server software">
    Catalyst queries PaperMC, Purpur, Mojang Piston, or Fabric metadata depending on the chosen platform.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Java">
    Catalyst detects installed Java runtimes or prepares a managed Adoptium runtime for the selected Minecraft version.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download and verify">
    Downloads are streamed with progress. Paper and Vanilla downloads include hash verification when the upstream metadata provides hashes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write local files">
    Catalyst writes `server.jar`, `start.bat`, optional plugin files, and a server record in `servers.json`.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Create a backup policy immediately after the first successful start. Worlds become valuable faster than server owners expect.
</Tip>