Plugins and modpacks
Install from Modrinth straight into the folder. What works for which loader, and when the server has to be off.
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On this page
Plugins
In the Plugins tab you search Modrinth, matching your server software: a Paper server sees Paper plugins, a Fabric server sees Fabric mods. Install downloads the right file straight into plugins/ or mods/; the page names the folder. Below, Installed lists what is already in the folder, with Remove for each file. Removing keeps the configuration folders.
A plugin is only loaded on the server's next restart. If the plugin's version may not match the server's version, the page says so; in that case the latest available version was installed, and it usually works anyway.
A plugin that is not on Modrinth you upload as a file to plugins/ under Files. Same result, just without the search.
Modpacks
In the Modpacks tab you search Modrinth for complete packs that match your server software. A pack is a few hundred files; the installation fetches them one by one and shows the progress. Keep the page open until it has finished.
Mods, configuration and server software are replaced by the modpack. Your world stays. Create a backup first if you are unsure.
Modpacks can only be installed while the server is stopped; if it is running, the page offers Stop server. Once the pack is installed, you start the server with Start server. Modpacks are available for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge.
Besides you, only members with the Plugins and modpacks permission may install plugins and modpacks.
Client side
A modpack on the server does not replace the pack in the client. Your players need the same mods in the same version, usually via the launcher the pack is published with.