Default Server Properties
by ErrorMikey
Default Server Properties lets modpack developers set default values for a server's server.properties file before it is first created.
What it does
A modpack developer places a default-server.properties file in the root folder of the game. When the server starts and no server.properties file exists yet, the mod uses the values in that file to create one, overriding the native defaults. Typical settings to change include the default level type. Only the properties that need a different value have to appear in the file; the rest of the setup is handled by the loader.
The mod is intended for modpacks that need servers to start with a consistent configuration. A default-used.marker file in the local folder shows that the defaults were already applied, so the values are not injected again on later starts. Fabric API is required on every loader, and the mod is server-side only: players join a server that runs it without installing anything. The mod is open source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, and its source code and issue tracker are public. Files are published for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge across 28 release versions, 1.16.5 – 26.3.
Key features
Default server properties file
A default-server.properties file in the game's root folder supplies the values used when a server.properties file is created.
Override of the native defaults
Properties set in the default file replace the values the game would otherwise write into a new server.properties file.
Marker-based injection
A default-used.marker file in the local folder records that the defaults were applied, so they are not injected on every start.
Partial configuration
Only the properties that need a different value have to be listed; the others keep the game's native settings.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x5 of 5 versions with builds
1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds
1.20.x6 of 6 versions with builds
1.19.x3 of 3 versions with builds
1.18.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.16.x1 of 1 version with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Use cases
Who it’s for: Modpack developers who want to control the initial configuration of servers that run their pack, and server owners who prefer a preset starting configuration.
How it compares
Default World Type is client-side only and open source under the Apache License 2.0, for Forge and NeoForge files 1.14 – 26.3, so it does not touch server files. Reload server.properties is server-side only and open source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, with files for Fabric and Forge 1.17.1 – 1.18.2, and it reloads the file while the server runs instead of setting defaults at creation.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Default Server Properties | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.16.5 – 26.3 | Server-side only | 2026-09-20 |
| Default World Type | Forge and NeoForge | 1.14 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-09-16 |
| Reload server.properties | Fabric and Forge | 1.17.1 – 1.18.2 | Server-side only | 2023-08-11 |
Questions
Does Default Server Properties need Fabric API?
Do players need to install Default Server Properties?
What happens if server.properties already exists?
In the catalog
Default Server Properties is one of 36,990 Utility mods on ModsFinder, and one of 25,772 Utility mods for Fabric. 8,071 mods support Minecraft 26.3.
More from ErrorMikey
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What the author says
A very simple mod that mixins into the game to allow a modpack developer to define a default-server.properties in the root of the pack. This will then override the default creation of the server.properties file. The beauty of this method is that you only need to set the properties that you want to change by default…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/default-server-properties
- Owner
- ErrorMikey
- Published
- 2023-09-08
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-09-20
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15