> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://new-docs.simplecloud.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Persistent Servers

> Create always-on server instances that maintain state between restarts

Persistent servers are single, always-on server instances. Use them for servers that need to keep their world and data between restarts - like Citybuild, Skyblock, SMP, or Build servers.

For servers that should scale based on player demand, use [Groups](/en/manual/setup/groups) instead.

## Creating a Persistent Server

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Servers">
    Click **Servers** in the navigation to view your existing persistent servers. Click the **New Server** button in the top right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Basics">
    * **Name**: Enter a unique name for your server (e.g., "Hub", "Proxy", "Lobby")
    * **Type**: Choose **Server** for game servers or **Proxy** for load balancers
    * **Server Host**: Select which host should run this server
    * **Activate on creation**: Toggle on to start the server immediately after creation
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Software">
    * **Software**: Choose your server software (Paper, Spigot, Purpur, Fabric, Velocity, etc.)
    * **Version**: Select the Minecraft/software version
    * **Custom URL**: Alternatively, provide a direct download URL for custom server JARs
    * **Configurator**: Select how your server should be configured (appears for Server type)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Resources">
    * **Memory**: Use a preset or set custom min/max memory allocation (in MB)
    * **Max Players**: Maximum players allowed on this server
  </Step>

  <Step title="Network (Proxy only)">
    For proxy servers, configure the **Port** for incoming player connections.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Plugins (Optional)">
    Search and select plugins from Modrinth to automatically install. You can also add plugins later in server settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and Create">
    Review your configuration summary and click **Create Server** to finish.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Server Status

| Status       | Meaning                                                     |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Active**   | Server is enabled and running (or ready to run)             |
| **Inactive** | Server is disabled - enable it in general settings to start |

## Server Settings

### General Settings

* **Active Toggle**: Enable or disable the server
* **Memory**: Adjust min/max memory allocation
* **Max Players**: Change player limit
* **Tags**: Add organizational tags for filtering

### Deployment Settings

Shows the assigned server host. Unlike groups, persistent servers run on a single host which is set during creation.

### Blueprint Settings

Modify the underlying server template:

* View current software and version
* Change configurator settings
* Edit JVM options and runtime arguments

### Properties Settings

Add custom key-value properties to your server:

* Properties are metadata you define for your own use
* Access them in your plugins via the [Cloud API](/en/developer/controller/servers)
* Available as environment variables (prefixed with `SIMPLECLOUD_`)
* Use cases: server type identifiers, custom settings for your plugins

### Workflows Settings

Automate tasks with workflows:

* **Manual Workflows**: Trigger on demand
* **On Start Workflows**: Run when the server starts
* **On Stop Workflows**: Run when the server stops

### Plugins Settings

Manage plugins for the server:

* Add plugins from Modrinth, GitHub, or direct URLs
* View installed plugins with source information
* Remove plugins from the server

### Danger Zone

Permanently delete the server:

* Removes the server and its configuration
* Stop the server first before deleting
* Requires confirmation by typing the server name