How to Install GeoServer Extensions the Right Way

GeoServer is a powerful open-source server for sharing geospatial data. One of its best features is that it's modular, with the help of plugins, you can add support for new formats, services, and tools.

This guide will walk you through how to install these GeoServer extensions step by step.

What Are GeoServer Extensions?

GeoServer extensions are additional modules that add new features. These can include:

• Support for additional data formats like MBTiles or MongoDB

• Extra services like CSW or WPS

• Monitoring and admin tools

By default, GeoServer comes with only the core features. You need to install these plugins manually if you want extra capabilities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing GeoServer Extensions

1. Visit the GeoServer Build Site

Go to the official GeoServer build server:

https://build.geoserver.org/geoserver/

This site contains all GeoServer builds and their extensions.

2. Choose the Correct Version

Pick the folder that matches your GeoServer version exactly.

• Use main/ for the latest stable version

• Or choose a specific version folder like 2.23.2/ if you're using that version

⚠️ Important: Extension versions must match the GeoServer version you're running. Otherwise, things might break.

3. Download the Extension

Find and download the .zip file for the extension you need. For example, you might choose mbtiles-plugin.zip or monitoring.zip.

Extract the zip file once downloaded.

4. Get the .jar Files

Inside the extracted folder, look for .jar files. These are the actual plugin files you need.

You can ignore any documentation files or license info.

5. Locate Your GeoServer Installation

Find where you installed GeoServer. This depends on your setup:

• Linux: /usr/share/geoserver or similar

• Windows: maybe C:\geoserver

• From a zip file: wherever you extracted it

6. Navigate to the lib Directory

From the root GeoServer folder, go to:

webapps/geoserver/WEB-INF/lib

This folder holds all the extension .jar files that GeoServer uses.

7. Copy the .jar Files

Copy all the .jar files from the extension folder into the lib directory.

If you're prompted to replace existing files, it's generally safe to click "Replace," especially if you're updating an extension.

8. Restart GeoServer

You need to restart GeoServer to apply the new plugin.

If you installed from a zip file, use:

./bin/shutdown.sh
./bin/startup.sh

That's it! Your extension should now be available in GeoServer.