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Dynmap – How to Install and Configure

Dynmap is a popular plugin that allows you to view the Minecraft server world in your web browser—similar to Google Maps, but for your own server.

INFORMATION:

Dynmap works on Spigot, Paper, Purpur servers as well as Forge/Fabric (as a mod). Make sure to download the correct version for your platform.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A running Minecraft server (Spigot/Paper/Purpur or Forge/Fabric)
  • The ability to add an additional network port
  • Minimum recommended: 2GB RAM for a basic map, 4GB+ for high-resolution maps
WARNING:

Dynmap can consume significant server resources, particularly during full map rendering. High-resolution maps may require many gigabytes of disk space.

Plugin Installation​

Downloading the Plugin​

Download the latest Dynmap plugin from CurseForge or SpigotMC.

TIP:

Check your Minecraft server version and download the corresponding plugin version. Using an incompatible version may cause errors.

Uploading the File to the Server​

  1. Go to the Files tab in your server management panel.
  2. Open the plugins folder in the server's root directory.
  3. Click "Upload to server" and upload the downloaded file Dynmap-(Version).jar.

First Launch​

  1. Start the Minecraft server (or restart it if it's already running).
  2. The plugin will automatically create a Dynmap folder and configuration files.
  3. After the first launch, stop the server.

Dynmap Port Configuration​

Dynmap requires a dedicated network port to display the map in the browser.

Adding a New Port​

  1. Go to the Network tab in your server panel.
  2. Add a new port, select Dynmap Port, and then Create new port.
  3. Copy the assigned port number—you'll need it for the next step.

Dynmap Plugin Configuration​

Editing the Configuration File​

  1. Return to the Files tab.
  2. Go to the plugins folder, then the dynmap folder.
  3. Locate the configuration.txt file and open it.

Key Settings​

1. Webserver Port​

Find the line with the webserver-port: parameter (usually around line 300–400 depending on the version) and set it to the previously assigned port:

webserver-port: 21000

2. Map Resolution​

Set the deftemplatesuffix: parameter at the beginning of the file:

deftemplatesuffix: vlowres

Available options:

  • vlowres — very low resolution (recommended for minimal resource usage)
  • lowres — low resolution (good compromise between quality and performance)
  • medres — medium resolution (requires more resources)
  • hires — high resolution (very resource-intensive, can take up hundreds of GB)
Recommendation:

For most servers, it is recommended to use vlowres or lowres. You can later increase the resolution if server resources allow.

3. Image Format (Optional)​

To save disk space, find the image-format: parameter and set it to:

image-format: jpg

You may also use the webp format for even better compression:

image-format: webp-q90

4. Saving Changes​

After making all changes:

  1. Save the configuration.txt file.
  2. Restart the server from the Console tab.

Testing Dynmap​

Accessing the Map​

After starting the server, open your browser and enter:

http://SERVER_IP:DYNMAP_PORT

Example:

http://83.168.106.243:21000
INFORMATION:

Replace SERVER_IP with your server's IP address and DYNMAP_PORT with the port configured in configuration.txt.

If you see the Dynmap page, everything is working correctly!

Useful Commands​

Render Management​

  • /dynmap fullrender — starts full rendering of all maps
  • /dynmap fullrender <world> — renders a specific world
  • /dynmap cancelrender <world> — cancels active rendering
  • /dynmap pause all — pauses all rendering
  • /dynmap pause none — resumes rendering

Plugin Management​

  • /dynmap reload — reloads plugin settings without restarting the server
  • /dynmap refresh — refreshes the map
  • /dynmap purgequeue — clears the tile update queue

Player Visibility​

  • /dynmap hide — hides the player on the map
  • /dynmap show — shows the player on the map
  • /dynmap hide <nickname> — hides a specific player (requires permissions)