MCSManager Guide: Minecraft Server Panel (2026)
MCSManager (MCSM) is an open-source, lightweight web panel for managing Minecraft (and other game) servers. It supports multiple servers, Docker containers, user management, and remote node management.
Key Features
- Lightweight: Low resource usage, runs on minimal hardware
- Multi-server: Manage many servers from one dashboard
- Docker support: Run servers in isolated containers
- Remote nodes: Manage servers across multiple machines
- File manager: Browser-based file editing
- Terminal: Web-based console access
- Schedule tasks: Automated commands, restarts, backups
- Multi-language: English, Chinese, and more
Installation
Quick Install (Linux)
wget -qO- https://script.mcsmanager.com/setup.sh | bash
This installs both the web panel and the daemon.
Manual Install
# Install Node.js 16+
# Clone the repo
git clone https://github.com/MCSManager/MCSManager.git
cd MCSManager
npm install
npm start
Access
Open http://your-server-ip:23333 in your browser.
Architecture
MCSManager uses a panel + daemon architecture:
- Panel (Web): The web interface you interact with. Port 23333.
- Daemon: The background process that actually runs game servers. Port 24444.
- Nodes: Remote daemons on other machines, managed from one panel.
This means you can manage servers across multiple physical machines from a single dashboard.
Creating a Minecraft Server
- Go to the Instances tab
- Click "Create Instance"
- Select Minecraft Java or Bedrock
- Upload or auto-download server jar
- Set start command and RAM
- Start the instance
Docker Mode
Run each server in its own Docker container for isolation:
- Servers cannot access each other's files
- Resource limits per container
- Easy cleanup when removing servers
- Better security
Scheduling
- Timed restarts
- Backup automation
- Custom command execution
- Player count-based actions
Multi-User Access
Create accounts with role-based permissions:
- Admin: Full control
- User: Assigned specific server instances
- Viewer: Read-only access
MCSManager vs Crafty vs Pterodactyl
| Feature | MCSManager | Crafty | Pterodactyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Light | Heavy |
| Docker | Optional | Optional | Required |
| Remote nodes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Setup speed | 5 minutes | 10 minutes | 30+ minutes |
| Game support | Multiple | Minecraft | Multiple |
MCSManager offers the best balance of features and simplicity.
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