Dynmap is a server-side plugin for Paper, Spigot, and Bukkit that generates a live, Google Maps-style web map of your Minecraft world, accessible from any browser without requiring players to log in. The map updates in real time as players move and blocks change, and it covers every loaded world including Nether and End dimensions. Dynmap supports Minecraft 1.12.2 through 1.21.11 and runs an integrated web server so you can have it working within minutes of installation.
What Dynmap Shows
Once installed, Dynmap starts an integrated web server on a configurable port (default 8123). Visiting that address in a browser opens a scrollable, zoomable map of every loaded world.
- Live player name markers with real-time positions
- Multiple render modes: surface (top-down), cave, and flat
- Day and night cycle visualization
- Chat messages displayed as an overlay in the browser
- Custom named markers placed by admins via command or API
- Separate map tabs for each server world
Installation on Paper and Spigot
Installation follows the standard Paper and Spigot plugin process. Drop the correct JAR into your server's plugins folder and restart; the integrated web server starts on port 8123 automatically.
- 1.Download the Spigot or Paper JAR for your Minecraft version from the Modrinth downloads page.
- 2.Stop your server if it is running.
- 3.Place the JAR in the plugins/ directory.
- 4.Start the server to generate the default configuration in plugins/dynmap/configuration.txt.
- 5.Open a browser and navigate to http://your-server-ip:8123 to confirm the map is rendering.
Storage Backends and Rendering Performance
Tile rendering runs on background threads and does not block the main server tick. The first full render of a large world can take hours depending on server hardware. After that, Dynmap only re-renders changed chunks, which keeps ongoing CPU overhead low. Rendered tiles can be stored in several backends:
- Flat files on disk (default, no additional setup required)
- MySQL and MariaDB
- SQLite
- PostgreSQL
- AWS S3 (store and serve tiles directly from a bucket)
Setup Tutorial
How to set up Dynmap on a Minecraft Java Edition server
Questions about this entry.
How do I install Dynmap?
Download the correct JAR for your server type from the Modrinth page, place it in your plugins folder, and restart the server. The built-in web server starts on port 8123 automatically. Visit http://your-server-ip:8123 in any browser to see the map.
Does Dynmap work on Paper and Spigot?
Yes. Dynmap supports Bukkit, Spigot, and Paper directly. Separate Forge and Fabric builds are also available for modded servers that don't run on Bukkit. Download the JAR that matches your specific server software from the Modrinth downloads page.
Which Minecraft version does Dynmap support?
Dynmap supports Minecraft 1.12.2 through 1.21.11 across its various platform builds. The latest Spigot and Paper builds support current 1.21.x releases. Check the Modrinth versions tab to find the build that matches your specific version and server software.
Does Dynmap affect server performance?
Tile rendering runs on background threads separate from the main server tick, so normal gameplay is not affected during incremental updates. The first full render of a large world is CPU and I/O intensive and can run for several hours. After the initial render, only changed chunks are re-rendered, which keeps ongoing overhead minimal.
Can players view the Dynmap without being logged into the server?
Yes. The Dynmap web interface works in any browser without logging into Minecraft. Anyone with the server IP and port can view the map and track online players. You can restrict access with firewall rules or use Dynmap's built-in login support to control visibility of player positions and chat.
