---
url: https://panomc.com/docs/platform/installation/setup.md
---
# Setup Wizard

![](/img/installer-view.png)

Once Pano starts, open your browser and navigate to:

```
http://<your-server-ip>/
```

> The address depends on how you installed Pano: the [installer](../installer/) and [Docker](../../containers/) use port **8088** (`http://<your-server-ip>:8088/`), the manual [`.jar`](../manual/) uses port **80**. Make sure that port is open and not used by another application.

> Installed with `--mariadb` or Docker Compose? The database step is already filled in; leave the password empty to keep it.

> \[!IMPORTANT]
> **Using Cloudflare?** Pano serves plain HTTP on port 80 by default, so Cloudflare must be set to **SSL/TLS mode: Flexible** — otherwise you'll hit redirect loops or `521`/`525` errors when opening your domain. See the dedicated [Cloudflare guide →](../../advanced/cloudflare/) before continuing.

You’ll see the **Setup Wizard**, guiding you through five simple steps:

1. **Language Selection & Usage Mode**\
   Choose your preferred language, then answer **"How will you use Pano?"** on the same screen:

   * **Website** — a public website only (the classic Pano experience).
   * **Server management** — Minecraft server management only: the panel is the product, **Posts**, **Tickets** and **View** (themes) are turned off, and the public pages redirect to `/panel`.
   * **Both** — website + server management. Recommended, and preselected.

   Nothing is locked in here — you can change it later in **Panel → Settings → Platform → Preferences**. It is stored as the [`usage-mode`](../../configuration/#general-settings) key in `config.conf`.\
   *(By proceeding, you agree to Pano's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.)*

2. **Website Configuration**\
   Set up your website details (site name, URL, etc.).\
   In **Server management** mode this step asks for a **panel name** instead of a website name, and the description field is hidden.

3. **Database Setup**\
   Enter your **MySQL** or **MariaDB** credentials.\
   Default table prefix: `pano_` (you can change it if needed).
   > **Portable DB Option:** On **Windows (x64 or ARM64)** systems, you'll see an option to use a **Portable Database**. Selecting this will cause Pano to automatically download, configure, and manage a portable MariaDB instance for you.

4. **SMTP Settings (Optional)**\
   Configure email sending if you wish.\
   This step is **optional**, and if you decide to skip it — **no worries!**\
   You can always enable or update SMTP settings later inside the **Panel → Settings → Platform** section.\
   *(However, some features like password recovery may not work until it’s configured.)*\
   No mail server? Choose **Pano Mail** here: sign in with your Pano account and e-mail works right away, free, with no set-up. See [Pano Mail](../../configuration/services/#pano-mail).

5. **Account Linking & Admin Creation**
   * If you already have a **Pano Account**, you can link it here by pressing **connect** button — your email and username will auto-fill.
   * Otherwise, create a new **admin account** (don’t forget your password — it’s required for login!).
   * With a linked account you can tick **Back up daily with free Pano Backup** to have daily backups from the first day. See [Backups](../../backups/).

> Moving from another Pano? The **Transfer** button of the wizard offers **Restore from a backup file**: choose a `.panoarc` file and Pano restores that site. See [Backups](../../backups/#download).

To finish the setup, click **Finish**.\
Pano will finalize the installation and automatically redirect you to your new **admin panel**.

> *You'll now be able to create posts, connect your Minecraft server, install addons, change themes, and much more!*

## Connecting Your Minecraft Server (Optional) {#connect-minecraft}

To enable game integrations and connect your Minecraft server to Pano, you'll need to install the **Pano MC Plugin**.

### What is Pano MC Plugin?

The Pano MC Plugin acts as a bridge between your Minecraft server and Pano, enabling:

* Secure WebSocket communication (RSA + AES-256 encryption)
* Real-time player data synchronization
* Automatic plugin detection and integration (AuthMe, permissions, etc.)
* Event system for in-game to web communication

### Installation Steps

1. **Download the Plugin**
   * Visit [Pano MC Plugin Releases](https://github.com/PanoMC/pano-mc-plugin/releases)
   * Download the appropriate JAR file for your server platform:
     * `pano-spigot-<version>.jar` — For Spigot/Paper/Folia
     * `pano-bungeecord-<version>.jar` — For Bungeecord
     * `pano-velocity-<version>.jar` — For Velocity
     * `pano-fabric-<version>.jar` — For Fabric (goes into the `mods/` folder)

2. **Install the Plugin**
   * Place the downloaded JAR file in your server's `plugins/` folder
   * Restart your Minecraft server

3. **Connect to Pano**
   * After restart, open your **Pano Admin Panel**
   * Open the **server switcher** in the top bar
   * Click the **+** button beside it to add a new server
   * A connection modal will appear with step-by-step instructions
   * Follow the steps shown in the modal to link your Minecraft server
   * The plugin will automatically establish a secure encrypted connection

4. **Verify Connection**
   * Once connected, your server will appear in the server switcher's list
   * You should see server status (online/offline), player count, and other information
   * The connection is now active and ready for integrations

> **Note:** You can connect multiple Minecraft servers to a single Pano instance.

Supported platforms: Spigot, Paper, Folia, Purpur, Bungeecord, Velocity and Fabric.

### What's Next?

Once your server is connected, you can:

* Enable [game integrations](../../integrations/) (like AuthMeReloaded)
* View real-time player statistics
* Manage players from the web panel
* Sync in-game events with your website