> ## 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. # Dynmap vs BlueMap: Which Minecraft Web Map Should You Use? > Dynmap vs BlueMap compared: 2D or 3D, web chat, disk use and server load, which Minecraft web map to choose and how to install it with its own port. Choose **BlueMap** if you want a modern 3D map players can fly around, and **Dynmap** if you want a classic flat map with web chat and a long list of marker add-ons. Both are free, show players live in a browser and need their own port. On FREAKHOSTING you install either from the **Plugins** (or **Mods**) page and ask us for that port. | Difficulty | Time | Panel pages | | - | - | - | | Intermediate | 20 minutes plus render time | **Plugins** or **Mods**, **Files** | *** ## Dynmap vs BlueMap: what's the difference? | | Dynmap | BlueMap | | - | - | - | | Map style | Classic 2D: flat and angled views, like an online street map | Full 3D you can fly around, plus a flat view | | Default web port | `8123` | Set your own port in `webserver.conf` | | Live players | Yes | Yes | | Web chat | Yes, chat between the map and the game | No | | Runs on | Paper/Spigot, plus mod loader builds | Paper/Spigot, Sponge, Fabric and Forge | | Detail settings | `deftemplatesuffix`: `hires`, `lowres`, `vlowres` | Per-map config files | | Good for | SMP maps, web chat, existing marker plugins | Showing off builds in 3D | Both render while the server runs, which uses CPU. Large worlds use a lot of disk space with either one. *** ## Which web map should you choose? * **Want the best-looking map?** BlueMap. Its 3D view is the main reason people pick it. * **Want chat on the map or a light map?** Dynmap, at `lowres` or `vlowres` detail. * **Running Fabric or a modpack?** BlueMap has mod loader versions and is installed from the **Mods** page. * **Already use plugins that add Dynmap markers?** Stay with Dynmap. Not sure? Start with BlueMap. You can remove it from **Plugins** > **Installed** and try Dynmap instead. *** ## How to get a port for your web map The map runs its own web server, so it needs its own port. [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and ask for an extra port for your web map. We tell you the number when it's added. Players then open the map at `http://:`, for example `http://203.0.113.10:8100`. *** ## How to set up BlueMap **1. Install BlueMap** Click **Plugins** (or **Mods** on a mod loader), search for **BlueMap** and install it. Restart the server once so it creates its config files. **2. Accept the resource download** BlueMap needs Minecraft's resources to draw blocks. In **Files**, open `plugins/BlueMap/core.conf` (on mod loaders: `config/bluemap/core.conf`), read the comment and set: ```hocon theme={null} accept-download: true ``` **3. Set the port** In `webserver.conf` in the same folder, set `port` to your extra port: ```hocon theme={null} port: 8100 ``` Use your own port number. **4. Reload and open the map** Run `bluemap reload` in the console, or restart. Open `http://203.0.113.10:8100` with your IP and map port. Run `bluemap` to see the render progress. BlueMap's server version needs a recent Java version. If the console shows an `UnsupportedClassVersionError` for BlueMap, see [wrong Java version](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/unsupportedclassversionerror-java-version.md). *** ## How to set up Dynmap The short version: install **Dynmap** from **Plugins**, restart once, set `webserver-port` in `plugins/dynmap/configuration.txt` to your extra port, restart and run `dynmap fullrender world`. For every step and command, see [how to install Dynmap](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-configure-dynmap-on-your-minecraft-server.md). *** ## How to keep a web map light * **Set a world border** first, for example `worldborder set 10000`. Without one, the map keeps growing as players explore. * **Pre-generate** the world with [Chunky](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/pre-generating-your-world-to-prevent-lag-chunky.md) before the first full render. * Run full renders when few players are online. * Watch disk use on the **Overview** page. *** ## Frequently asked questions ### Is BlueMap better than Dynmap? BlueMap looks better and works on more mod loaders. Dynmap has web chat, lower-detail options and many add-ons. Neither is better for everyone. ### What about squaremap? squaremap is another free web map with a simple flat style for Paper and some mod loaders. It needs its own port too. The same port and world-border advice applies. ### Can I host BlueMap on Firebase or another website? BlueMap can write the map as files that another web host serves. That setup is outside our panel. The built-in web server with an extra port is the simplest option. ### Does BlueMap work with Bedrock? BlueMap renders Java Edition worlds. Bedrock players who join through [GeyserMC](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-configure-geysermc-on-your-minecraft-server.md) still appear on the map, because they play in your Java world. ### Why is my map blank? The world isn't rendered yet, or the port is wrong. Run `bluemap` or `dynmap stats` to see progress, and check that the port in the config matches the extra port we gave you. *** ## Related guides > **[Minecraft server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Minecraft guide in one place. > **[Install Dynmap](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-configure-dynmap-on-your-minecraft-server.md)** > > Full Dynmap setup and render commands. > **[Pre-generate with Chunky](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/pre-generating-your-world-to-prevent-lag-chunky.md)** > > Render a finished world, not a growing one. > **[Best plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/recommended-plugins.md)** > > More free plugins for your server. > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [BlueMap](https://bluemap.bluecolored.de/wiki/getting-started/Installation.html) and [Dynmap](https://github.com/webbukkit/dynmap/wiki) documentation** on 29 October 2026, and the plugin install tested on our Game Panel (Minecraft 26.1, Paper and Fabric). Steps may differ slightly if the plugins change. *** > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.