To import an existing world into your server, we'll use SFTP software, which allows us to transfer files and folders in bulk into your Modrinth server. For this article, we'll use WinSCP on Windows, but you can use another SFTP application instead.
This guide assumes you already have the world folder on your computer, and that the world is for Minecraft Java Edition. If you have any questions, see the FAQ at the bottom of the page.
Installing & configuring WinSCP
Download and install WinSCP from their official website
Open WinSCP, and close the login dialog
To make importing faster, navigate to to Preferences -> Background, then:
Increase the maximum transfers to the highest value
Check 'Transfer on background by default'
Connecting to your server
⚠️ Ensure your server is offline and keep it offline for the duration of this process.
On your Modrinth server's panel, navigate to Options -> Info and click "Launch SFTP". If this doesn't work, you'll have to manually enter the SFTP credentials into WinSCP
When WinSCP prompts for a password, enter the password found on the Info page (from the previous step)
After connecting, you'll see your computer's files on the left and server files on the right:
If you wish to preserve your server's existing world (on the right), you should rename it to something else or download and delete it
On your computer's file browser, locate your desired world. It must be a folder with folders such as
regionandadvancementsinsideDrag-and-drop the world folder into the right pane of WinSCP, which will then upload all of the world's files to your Modrinth server
After the transfer completes, rename your uploaded world's folder on the server to
worldStart your server, join, and you should now spawn into your imported world!
FAQ
WinSCP is Windows software only, but I'm not using Windows. Which SFTP app should I use instead?
WinSCP is Windows software only, but I'm not using Windows. Which SFTP app should I use instead?
If you're using macOS, you can try Cyberduck instead of WinSCP. Although it's a different application, you should still be able to generally follow the guide, excluding the WinSCP configuration, which isn't essential.
If you're using Linux, you can try WinSCP under Wine, or use a file manager (such as GNOME Files) that supports SFTP.
I don't have the world on my computer, it's on another server host. What should I do?
I don't have the world on my computer, it's on another server host. What should I do?
Download the world from your previous server host before following this guide. If you need support doing this, contact your previous hosting provider.
Ensure that you use the same loader (e.g. Forge, Fabric, Paper) as on your previous server, with the same mods and plugins.
I can't find my singleplayer world, what should I do?
I can't find my singleplayer world, what should I do?
Launch the Minecraft instance that has the world you want to import, then go into Options -> Resource Packs and click Open Pack Folder. In the opened folder, click the ⬆️ Up button in your file manager, then go into saves to find your world folder.
If you're unsure what the world folder is called, go to the Singleplayer menu in Minecraft, look for your world, then look for the first part of the grey text underneath the world name in the previously opened saves folder.