MCSManager Guide: Minecraft Server Panel (2026)

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MCSManager is a lightweight web panel for managing Minecraft servers. Here is how to set it up and use it.

MCSManager Minecraft panel

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

  1. Go to the Instances tab
  2. Click "Create Instance"
  3. Select Minecraft Java or Bedrock
  4. Upload or auto-download server jar
  5. Set start command and RAM
  6. 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

FeatureMCSManagerCraftyPterodactyl
WeightVery lightLightHeavy
DockerOptionalOptionalRequired
Remote nodesYesNoYes
Setup speed5 minutes10 minutes30+ minutes
Game supportMultipleMinecraftMultiple

MCSManager offers the best balance of features and simplicity.


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