How to Find and Fix YAML Errors in Plugin Configs

Learn how to identify and fix common YAML syntax errors in Minecraft plugin configuration files.

YAML is the format used by most Minecraft plugin configuration files. A single syntax error can prevent a plugin from loading.

Common YAML Mistakes

YAML requires spaces for indentation, never tabs.

# Wrong (tabs)
settings:
	enabled: true

# Correct (spaces)
settings:
  enabled: true

# Wrong (missing colon)
server-name My Server

# Correct
server-name: My Server

Strings with special characters need quotes:

# Wrong (: in unquoted string)
motd: Welcome: Enjoy your stay!

# Correct
motd: "Welcome: Enjoy your stay!"

# Wrong (inconsistent indentation)
settings:
  option1: true
    option2: false

# Correct
settings:
  option1: true
  option2: false

Check Console on the XGamingServer panel for messages like "Invalid configuration" with a line number.

Copy the file contents and paste into an online validator like yamllint.com. It will highlight exact errors.

Go to Files, open the config file, fix the errors, and save.

Restart your server or use the plugin's reload command.

💡 Tip: Use a code editor with YAML syntax highlighting (VS Code, Notepad++) to catch errors before uploading.

📝 Note: Always use 2-space indentation for YAML. It's the standard and prevents most indentation issues.

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