Configure the settings that matter, get a complete valid file — copy it or download it.
server.properties Generator
Your server.properties
Replace the server.properties in your server
folder with this file and restart the server. Unlisted keys keep their vanilla defaults.
The settings that matter most
| Property | What it does |
|---|---|
view-distance | How many chunks players can see. The single biggest RAM/CPU lever — see our RAM calculator. 7–10 is the sweet spot for most servers. |
simulation-distance | How far away mobs, crops, and redstone stay active. Lower than view-distance = big performance win with little visible cost. |
online-mode | Verifies players against Mojang. Keep it true unless you run a proxy that authenticates for you. |
white-list | Only approved players can join. Pair it with whitelist applications so joining doesn't require chasing you on Discord. |
spawn-protection | Radius (blocks) around spawn only ops can edit. Set 0 to disable. |
enable-command-block | Needed for adventure maps and some farms; harmless with trustworthy builders. |
Frequently asked questions
Where is the server.properties file?
In the root of your server folder — the same directory as your server .jar file. It's created automatically on first run. On hosting panels, look for a "Config Files" or "File Manager" section.
Do changes apply immediately?
No — the file is only read at startup, so restart the server after editing. Some settings
(like white-list) also have in-game commands that apply live, but the file remains
the source of truth on the next boot.
Changing level-name or the seed didn't change my world — why?
The seed only applies when a new world is generated. If a world folder with the
configured name already exists, the server loads it as-is. To regenerate, change
level-name to a fresh name (or move the old world folder away) and restart.
Server configured and running? Add it to the server list for free so players can find it — then design a proper MOTD to stand out.