To import an existing world into your server, we'll use SFTP software, which allows us to transfer files and folders into your Modrinth server in bulk. In this article, we'll use WinSCP on Windows, but you can use any other 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. We'll be using a different method.
To make transfers 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 currently stopped, and keep it offline for the entire duration of this process.
On your server's panel, navigate to the server's settings (cog icon in the top-right) -> Advanced and click the "Launch SFTP" button. If this doesn't work, manually enter the SFTP information into WinSCP through its login dialog we closed earlier.
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.
ℹ️ The next steps depend on the size of your world. If the world folder is greater than 1 GB in size, skip ahead to Alternative steps for large worlds!
Uploading a world
Through your computer's file browser, locate your desired world. It must be a folder with contents such as
regionandadvancementsinside.Drag-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
world.Start 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. FileZilla works similarly to WinSCP, however it requires additional setup to use the SFTP protocol.
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.
The transfer is slow, how can I speed it up?
The transfer is slow, how can I speed it up?
Due to how the SFTP protocol functions, transfers of small or individual files can be slow. It's recommended to compress your world before uploading it, refer to the alternative steps for instructions.