Uploading an existing world
Short answer: Zip your world on your computer, stop the server, create a backup, then upload the zip into the right folder with Files > Upload (or SFTP) and select Unarchive. Make sure the world folder name matches what the server expects, then start the server.
Before you begin
Section titled “Before you begin”- You need: the server owner’s account, or a subuser with file permissions.
- Have ready: your world folder, from your computer or your old host.
- Find your game’s world folder and world-name setting in your game’s guide.
- Moving from another host? Ask us: we migrate servers for free. Open a ticket.
- Time needed: 10 to 30 minutes, depending on size.
What this guide covers
Section titled “What this guide covers”- Preparing the world
- Uploading and unpacking it
- Making the server load it
- On your computer, find the world folder and compress it into a
.zipfile. - In the Game Panel, stop the server.
- Create a backup (see How to create and restore a backup).
- Go to Files and open the folder where your game keeps worlds.
- Select Upload and choose the zip. For files over 1 GB, use SFTP instead (see How to connect to your server using SFTP).
- Open the zip’s menu and select Unarchive.
- Check the result: the world should be one folder directly inside the worlds folder, not a folder inside a folder.
- Make the server use it: either give the folder the name the server already uses, or change the world-name setting on Startup or Game Settings to the new folder’s name.
- Delete the zip to save space, then start the server.
Expected result
Section titled “Expected result”The server starts and loads your world. Players spawn in your existing map.
Common mistakes
Section titled “Common mistakes”- A folder inside a folder.
worlds/MyWorld/MyWorld/...won’t load. Move the inner folder up one level. - Different game version. Worlds from a newer version usually won’t load on an older server.
- Uploading while the server runs. The game may overwrite the files as it saves.
- Single-player worlds with mods. The server needs the same mods installed.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A new, empty world loads | The server is looking for a different folder name | Check the world-name setting matches your folder |
| Server won’t start after upload | Version mismatch or missing mods | Check the console; see My server will not start |
| Upload stops part way | File too large for the browser | Use SFTP |
When to contact support
Section titled “When to contact support”Contact support for a free migration from another host, or if your world loads empty after you’ve checked the folder name and version. Include the game, version and folder path. See How to contact support with useful diagnostic information.
Related guides
Section titled “Related guides”Last reviewed: 2026-10-05 · Applies to: Game Panel (hici 0.4.2)