> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Install Addons on Your Garry's Mod Server (Workshop)

> How to install addons on a Garry's Mod server: add a Steam Workshop collection ID in Game settings, or upload addon folders to garrysmod/addons, then restart.

To install addons on a FREAKHOSTING Garry's Mod server, put them in a public or unlisted Steam Workshop collection, enter the collection's number in **Workshop collection** on **Game settings** and restart. The server downloads every item in the collection at each start. You can also upload addon folders to `/garrysmod/addons` with the File Manager or SFTP. Your server starts with no addons.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Garry's Mod server | **Game settings** or **Files** |

## Which method should I use?

| Method | Best for | How it updates |
| - | - | - |
| Workshop collection | Most addons, maps and gamemodes from the Steam Workshop | Checked at every server start |
| Addons folder | Addons from GitHub, paid addons, your own edits | Only when you upload a new copy |

## How to add a Workshop collection

**1. Create a collection**

On the Steam Workshop for Garry's Mod, create a collection and add the addons you want. Set its visibility to **Public** or **Unlisted**; the server cannot read a private collection.

**2. Copy the collection ID**

Open the collection. The ID is the number at the end of its address, after `?id=`. For example, in `steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=123456789` the ID is `123456789`.

**3. Enter it in Game settings**

Open **Game settings**, find **Workshop collection** under **Start-up**, paste the number and save. It is the same as the **Workshop ID** variable on **Startup**.

**4. Restart and check the console**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). The server downloads the collection, including any collections inside it, and mounts the addons. Large collections make the first start slower.

To add or remove an addon later, edit the collection on Steam and restart. You don't need to change the ID.

## How to upload an addon by hand

**1. Stop the server**

[Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) before you change addons.

**2. Upload the addon folder**

Upload the addon's folder into `/garrysmod/addons` with the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) or [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md). The folder should contain the addon's own folders, such as `lua`, directly inside it (for example `/garrysmod/addons/ulx/lua/`), not a second folder of the same name.

**3. Start the server**

Start the server and watch the console for Lua errors.

## Do players download my addons automatically?

Lua code is sent to players automatically. Models, materials and sounds are not, except two cases: the current map and a Workshop gamemode from your collection are marked for download by the game. For everything else with custom content, tell players' games to download it with `resource.AddWorkshop`. See [force clients to download content](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-force-server-clients-to-download-content.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Why are my Workshop addons not loading?

Check that the collection is **Public** or **Unlisted**, that you entered the collection ID (not a single item's ID) and that you restarted. Then read the console from the start for download errors.

### Can I use a single Workshop item instead of a collection?

The **Workshop collection** field takes a collection ID. Put the single item in a collection, or upload it to the addons folder.

### Does the server come with an admin mod?

No. Add ULX and ULib to your collection or addons folder. See [install ULX](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/configuring-ulx-admin-mod.md).

### Do too many addons cause lag?

They can. Each addon adds work for the server and downloads for players. Remove addons you don't use; see [server lag](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/fixing-garrys-mod-server-lag.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [Garry's Mod server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/garrys-mod-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Garry's Mod page in one place.

> [card] [Force client downloads](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-force-server-clients-to-download-content.md)
>
> resource.AddWorkshop for players.

> [card] [Install a gamemode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/how-to-install-a-custom-gamemode-on-garrys-mod.md)
>
> Prop Hunt, Murder and more.

> [card] [Weapon packs](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/garrys-mod/adding-weapon-packs-m9k-cw2.md)
>
> Add weapon addons.

> [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)
>
> Upload and edit files.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Garry's Mod dedicated server, Sandbox), with Workshop details checked against the official [Garry's Mod wiki](https://wiki.facepunch.com/gmod/Workshop_for_Dedicated_Servers). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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