# Installing Plugins Manually

Manual installation gives you full control over the plugins you add to your server.

### Steps to Manually Install Plugins

1. **Download the Plugin**:
    
    
    - Visit a trusted plugin repository such as: 
        - [Modrinth](https://modrinth.com/)
        - [SpigotMC](https://www.spigotmc.org/)
        - [CurseForge](https://www.curseforge.com/)
        - [Hangar](https://hangar.papermc.io/)
        - [Polymart](https://polymart.org/)
    - Download the plugin’s `.jar` file to your computer.
2. **Access the File Manager in the Control Panel**:
    
    
    - Log in to the [Ridgeline Servers Control Panel](https://panel.ridgelineservers.com/).
    - Navigate to the **File Manager** from your server dashboard.
3. **Upload the Plugin**:
    
    
    - Open the **plugins** folder in the File Manager.
    - Click **Upload** and select the downloaded `.jar` file from your computer.
4. **Restart Your Server**:
    
    
    - After uploading the plugin, restart your server to load the plugin and apply any changes.

<p class="callout danger">You should never use the `/reload` command as it can cause issues.</p>