> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://simple.superiormc.cn/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://simple.superiormc.cn/arcmenu-wiki/getting-started/requirements.md).

# Requirements

## Server and Java

| Server version       | Java requirement |
| -------------------- | ---------------- |
| Paper 1.21.3–1.21.11 | Java 21 or newer |
| Paper 26.1–26.3      | Java 25 or newer |

Compatible Paper derivatives, including Folia and Leaf, are supported. If your server software requires a newer Java version, follow its requirements.

Spigot 26.1 and newer is also supported, with fewer features. See the limitations below.

## Client requirements

**Players do not need a client mod.**

Menus with custom images require players to accept the server's resource pack. Menus using only ordinary text, vanilla items and blocks do not need additional image assets.

Mouse mode supports players using Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.2–1.21.11, 26.1.x, 26.2 and 26.3 clients. These are player client versions; server requirements are listed in the table above. Load the matching resource pack when using mouse mode.

## Optional plugins

Install these only when your menus need them.

| Plugin         | When you need it                                                                                    |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| PlaceholderAPI | To display player information or data provided by other plugins.                                    |
| Vault          | To use Vault economy features. You also need an economy plugin that supports Vault.                 |
| PlayerPoints   | To use player points.                                                                               |
| CraftEngine    | To display CraftEngine custom items or merge and distribute your resource pack through CraftEngine. |

You do not need to install ProtocolLib to use ArcMenu.

Without CraftEngine, you need to distribute the ArcMenu resource pack yourself. See [Installation and updates](/arcmenu-wiki/getting-started/install.md#resource-pack-configuration).

## Visual editor

**ArcMenu Editor** is a Fabric mod for administrators who want to edit menus in game. Players do not need it to join your server.

Download: [ArcMenu Editor](https://github.com/FENTAIIII/ArcMenu-Editor). See [Visual editor](/arcmenu-wiki/feature-configuration/editor.md) for installation instructions.

Choose an editor build that matches the administrator's Minecraft client and supports your ArcMenu plugin. If the plugin asks you to update the editor, install a compatible version before editing.

## Spigot limitations

Spigot supports basic menus with text, backgrounds, borders, vanilla items and blocks. It also supports crosshair clicks, permission checks, running commands and navigation between menus.

The following features require Paper, Folia, Leaf or a compatible server:

* Mouse mode and animations.
* Custom images, resource content and tooltips.
* The ArcMenu Editor visual editor.
* The optional plugin integrations listed above.

Spigot menus and shortcuts are stored in `plugins/ArcMenu/spigot/`. Language settings use the root `plugins/ArcMenu/config.yml` and `languages/` directory. This guide's menu examples primarily target Paper, so check whether an example uses any of the features listed above.

## Next step

Once your server meets the requirements, continue with [Installation and updates](/arcmenu-wiki/getting-started/install.md).