So you want to start using AutoModpack? Great! Let's get you started.

For more detailed information:

• Read the Modpack Creation page to learn how to manage your modpack
• Read the Configuration page to learn how to customize AutoModpack for your needs

Installation

1. Download AutoModpack: Get the latest version of AutoModpack for your Minecraft version from Modrinth or CurseForge
2. Install AutoModpack: Place the downloaded mod into your mods folder of your Minecraft instance
3. Start your server: Launch your Minecraft server with AutoModpack installed. This will generate the initial modpack metadata

It is recommended to connect to your server with just AutoModpack installed on the client first to ensure everything works.

First Connection

On first connection, you will be prompted to verify the server's certificate fingerprint. This ensures you are connecting to the correct server and not a malicious one. Read more about certificate verification.

After verification, AutoModpack will ask you to confirm the modpack installation. Confirm it, and the modpack will download and install automatically.

Restart your game. Your server's modpack should now be loaded, and you should be able to connect, spawning in the overworld.

Note: If you don't see your modpack mods in the mods folder, they are installed in ~/.minecraft/automodpack/modpacks/{your-modpack}/mods/. This is intentional to keep mod updates clean.

Server Setup & Configuration

Server Config File

Location: ~/automodpack/automodpack-server.json

Example Configuration:

{
  "modpackHost": true,
  "generateModpackOnStart": true,
  "syncedFiles": [
    "/mods/*.jar",
    "/resourcepacks/*",
    "/config/**",
    "/shaderpacks/*",
    "!/config/fancymenu/user_variables.db"
  ],
  "allowEditsInFiles": [
    "/options.txt"
  ],
  "forceCopyFilesToStandardLocation": [],
  "autoExcludeServerSideMods": true,
  "requireAutoModpackOnClient": true
}

Key Configuration Options:

• syncedFiles: List of files and folders to sync to clients. Use * for wildcards and ** for recursive matching. Prefix with ! to exclude
• allowEditsInFiles: Files that clients can edit locally. These files are downloaded once and not updated automatically
  • Example: To always update FancyMenu configs, remove /config/** from allowEditsInFiles
  • ⚠️ Warning: Removing /config/** will make ALL config files non-editable. If you only want specific config folders to be always updated, use exclusions instead:
    "syncedFiles": [
      "/config/**"
    ],
    "allowEditsInFiles": [
      "/config/**",
      "!/config/fancymenu/**"
    ]

• forceCopyFilesToStandardLocation: Use with caution. Forces files to be copied to the standard Minecraft folders (breaks seamless updates)
• Other options: See the full configuration page for detailed explanations of all settings

Splitting Mods for Server and Client

• Client-side mods: Place in ~/automodpack/host-modpack/main/mods (e.g., visual enhancements)
• Server-side mods (synced): Place in the standard mods folder; they will be synced to clients
• Excluding server-only mods example:
  "syncedFiles": [
    "/mods/*.jar",
    "!/mods/lithostitched-fabric*.jar"
  ]

Client Setup & Configuration

AutoModpack automatically manages client configuration. When you connect to a server, AutoModpack will:

• Download the modpack (mods, configs, resource packs, etc.) to ~/.minecraft/automodpack/modpacks/{modpack}/
• Prompt you to verify the server's certificate fingerprint (first time only)
• Ask for confirmation to install the modpack

After installation, restart Minecraft to load the modpack.

Note: For advanced configuration, see the client config page.

Maintaining Updates

• Files listed in allowEditsInFiles are only downloaded once and not updated. Use this for files that players should be able to customize
• For files that must always be in sync (e.g., specific configs), ensure they are in syncedFiles and not in allowEditsInFiles

Example for FancyMenu configs:

"syncedFiles": [
  "/config/fancymenu/**"
],
"allowEditsInFiles": [
  "/options.txt"
]

This ensures FancyMenu configs are always updated, while players can still edit their options.

Troubleshooting

Important:

• Ensure the same version of AutoModpack is used on both server and client
• Make sure your server runs and is accessible without AutoModpack
• Check server logs for hints
• Read compatibility pages like proxies, launchers and mods for known issues and solutions
• Read the FAQ page for common questions

If issues persist, join our Discord server and post in the #support channel.