Getting Started

This guide covers the requirements, installation process, generated files, and first command for Particle Text.

Prerequisites

Java Version: Java 25 or newer.
Server Software: A Paper-compatible Minecraft 26.2 server.
PlaceholderAPI Optional: Resolves placeholders inside renderer text and enables the %particletext_*% expansion.
Permissions Plugin Optional: Use a plugin such as LuckPerms to grant administrative commands to non-operators.

Download the latest particle-text-x.x.x.jar release from SpigotMC or BuiltByBit.
Place the JAR in your server’s plugins/ directory.
Install PlaceholderAPI if you want dynamic renderer text or Particle Text placeholders.
Restart the server. Avoid /reload, because a full restart safely initializes the renderer task and integrations.
Run /pt version to confirm that Particle Text is enabled.

The first startup creates /plugins/ParticleText/ with these files:

File	Purpose
`config.yml`	Performance limits, renderer defaults, menu appearance, sounds, and update checks.
`messages.yml`	MiniMessage-compatible command responses, help lines, and inventory text.
`renderers.yml`	Persistent text, particle, font, transform, state, and location data for every renderer.

Stand where the text should appear, then run:

/pt create welcome Welcome to the server!

The ID must contain 1 to 32 lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, or hyphens. Continue with the Creating Renderers guide to move and style it.