BlueMap reads Minecraft world files and produces 3D surface maps that can be viewed in a browser. It supports Java Edition worlds, not Bedrock Edition. Users can install it as a Spigot, Paper, or Sponge plugin, or as a Fabric or Forge mod; it can also run from the command line without a Minecraft server. Documentation describes using the CLI in Docker. For plugin or mod installations, rendering runs asynchronously to the Minecraft server thread, and users can configure the number of render threads. After the initial conversion, BlueMap tracks world changes and converts only changed chunks. Maps can be stored in files or an SQL server. Configuration includes map display names and web app ordering, and map configuration files can add or remove maps. An API allows third-party plugins, mods, resource packs, and external tools to integrate features. The integrated webserver does not support SSL, and BlueMap itself provides no authentication; an external webserver is suggested for those functions. BlueMap is free. Server plugin and mod use requires Java 25 or newer, while the standalone CLI documentation lists Java 21 or newer.
Who it is for
BlueMap suits Minecraft Java Edition server operators and users who want browser-viewable 3D surface maps. It can also suit users who need a standalone CLI workflow or integrations through its API.
What is good
- Free to use.
- Available as server plugins, mods, or a standalone CLI.
- Converts only changed chunks after the initial map.
- Maps can be stored in files or an SQL server.
- Supports configurable map names and web app ordering.
What to know first
- Does not support Bedrock Edition worlds.
- Integrated webserver does not support SSL itself.
- BlueMap does not provide authentication itself.
- Server plugin and mod use requires Java 25 or newer.
Verdict
BlueMap provides a free way to turn Java Edition worlds into browser-viewable surface maps, with plugin, mod, and CLI options. Plan for external SSL and authentication if those are needed for the webserver.
BlueMap plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Minecraft world map viewers
- Free plan
- Yes
- Server map support
- Yes
- Live map updates
- Yes
- Dimension maps
- Yes
- Map view mode
- 2d_and_3d
- Markers and waypoints
- Yes
