# How to Run Bukkit Plugins on a Fabric Minecraft Server with Cardboard (/docs/minecraft/install-cardboard)



Cardboard (formerly Bukkit4Fabric) is a Fabric mod that provides a Bukkit/Spigot API compatibility layer, allowing you to run some Bukkit plugins on a Fabric server alongside Fabric mods.

Important Limitations [#important-limitations]

Before installing Cardboard, understand its limitations:

| Feature                           | Status             |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| Basic Bukkit plugins              | Partial support    |
| Complex plugins (WorldEdit, etc.) | Often incompatible |
| NMS-dependent plugins             | Not supported      |
| Fabric mods                       | Full support       |
| Stability                         | Experimental       |

> ⚠️ **Warning:** Cardboard is experimental and has significant compatibility limitations. Many popular Bukkit plugins won't work correctly. For a reliable plugin experience, use [Paper/Spigot](/docs/minecraft/server-types-explained) instead. For Fabric mod + server management, look into Fabric-native server mods.

Installing Cardboard [#installing-cardboard]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Set up a Fabric server [#1-set-up-a-fabric-server]

    Ensure your server runs Fabric. Check your server type in `Startup` on the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com).
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Download Cardboard [#2-download-cardboard]

    Get the latest version from the Cardboard GitHub or CurseForge page matching your Minecraft and Fabric version.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Upload to the mods folder [#3-upload-to-the-mods-folder]

    Upload the Cardboard `.jar` to your `/mods/` folder via `Files`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Add Fabric API [#4-add-fabric-api]

    Cardboard requires Fabric API. Download it from [Modrinth](https://modrinth.com/mod/fabric-api) and add it to `/mods/`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Restart the server [#5-restart-the-server]

    Restart from `Console`. Cardboard will create a `/plugins/` folder.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Install Bukkit plugins [#6-install-bukkit-plugins]

    Place Bukkit plugin `.jar` files in the newly created `/plugins/` folder, then restart.
  </div>
</div>

What Works and What Doesn't [#what-works-and-what-doesnt]

Generally works [#generally-works]

* Simple command plugins
* Basic chat plugins
* Some economy plugins
* Simple utility plugins

Generally doesn't work [#generally-doesnt-work]

* Plugins using NMS (net.minecraft.server) code
* Complex world management plugins
* Advanced protection plugins (WorldGuard, GriefPrevention)
* Plugins with many dependencies
* Plugins using Spigot-specific APIs

Better Alternatives [#better-alternatives]

For most use cases, there are better options:

| Need                        | Instead of Cardboard, use...                |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Plugins + mods              | SpongeForge (Forge + Sponge plugins)        |
| Just plugins                | Paper/Spigot (full Bukkit support)          |
| Just mods                   | Fabric or Forge (no plugins needed)         |
| Server management on Fabric | Fabric-native mods (LuckPerms Fabric, etc.) |

Many popular Bukkit plugins have **Fabric-native versions**:

* **LuckPerms** — Has a Fabric version
* **WorldEdit** — Has a Fabric version (FAWE)
* **Dynmap** — Has a Fabric version
* **BlueMap** — Native Fabric support

> 💡 **Tip:** Before using Cardboard, check if your needed plugins have native Fabric versions. Fabric-native mods are more stable and performant than running through a compatibility layer.

> 📝 **Note:** Cardboard development can be sporadic. Check that it supports your Minecraft version before committing to it for your server setup.

See also: [Server Types Explained](/docs/minecraft/server-types-explained) | [Install Sponge Plugins](/docs/minecraft/install-sponge-plugins) | [Installing Mods](/docs/minecraft/mod-setup)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).