paper-global.yml Explained
Understand paper-global.yml on Paper servers, what belongs in global settings, what not to edit blindly, and how to document safe performance changes.
paper-global.yml is Paper's server-wide configuration file. It is not the place for every performance setting. Many world behavior settings belong in paper-world-defaults.yml or per-world paper-world.yml.
Where It Fits
| File | Scope |
| --- | --- |
| server.properties | Core Minecraft server settings |
| config/paper-global.yml | Global Paper behavior |
| config/paper-world-defaults.yml | Default behavior for worlds |
| world/dimensions/.../paper-world.yml | Specific world overrides |
Paper documentation separates global and world configuration. That separation matters because copying world settings into the wrong file does nothing useful.
What to Check Before Editing
Before changing paper-global.yml:
- Confirm the server is actually running Paper.
- Confirm the file path and version.
- Read the comments or docs for the exact setting.
- Save the old value.
- Restart cleanly after the change.
Do not create a random paper.yml on modern Paper and expect it to work. Older tutorials may reference old file names.
Good Uses
Global settings are appropriate for behavior that applies to the whole Paper server, not only one world. Examples include certain compatibility, global feature, or server-wide Paper behaviors.
For performance work, start with a profile. If Spark shows entity or chunk cost in one world, the fix may belong in paper-world-defaults.yml or a specific world override rather than paper-global.yml.
Documentation Template
Add comments in your admin notes:
File: config/paper-global.yml
Setting:
Old value:
New value:
Reason:
Date:
Rollback:
Future admins should know why a setting changed. Undocumented performance tweaks become hard to debug after updates.
Continue with paper-world-defaults.yml explained and the Paper optimization guide.
FAQ
Where is paper-global.yml?
On modern Paper servers, it is normally in the config directory as config/paper-global.yml.
Should I edit paper-global.yml or paper-world-defaults.yml?
Use paper-global.yml for server-wide Paper behavior. Use paper-world-defaults.yml and per-world paper-world.yml for world behavior.
Do paper-global.yml changes need a restart?
Treat Paper configuration edits as restart-required unless official documentation for your exact version says otherwise.
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