# How to Run Plugins on Fabric With Cardboard

> Cardboard lets a Fabric server load some Bukkit plugins. Here's how to install it, and its limits.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/how-to-install-cardboard-on-a-minecraft-java-server
Category: Minecraft
Last updated: 2026-10-22

Mods and plugins normally need different server software: Fabric for mods, Paper for plugins. **Cardboard** is a Fabric mod that loads some Bukkit and Paper plugins on a Fabric server.

> [!WARNING]
> Cardboard only supports a limited set of plugins and Minecraft versions, and is experimental. If you mainly need plugins, run Paper instead.

## Install it

1. Make sure your server runs **Fabric** (install it from **Package Manager** if not), on a Minecraft version Cardboard supports. Check Cardboard's page for the versions.
2. In **Package Manager**, click **Browse packages** and search for **Cardboard**. Click **Install**. It adds the mods it needs.
3. Package changes are queued and applied the next time the server starts, so restart it from **Console** when you're done.
4. Stop the server, upload your plugin `.jar` files to the `plugins` folder in **Files**, and start it again.

## If a plugin won't load

Check **Console** for errors naming the plugin. Many plugins use parts of Paper that Cardboard doesn't provide. Look for a Fabric mod that does the same job instead.