CustomUserList: Flexible Player Lists for Minecraft

What Is the CustomUserList Plugin for Minecraft?

Keeping track of who’s online on your server can quickly become messy, especially when you want to highlight specific groups like staff members, donors, or builders. The CustomUserList plugin solves this by letting you create multiple, highly customizable lists of players that anyone with the right permissions can view. Originally developed by Stealth2800 for a community request, this lightweight Bukkit plugin works seamlessly with any permissions system and adds a clean, professional touch to your server’s information commands.

Why Server Owners Love CustomUserList

Instead of relying on clunky signs or manually updated forum posts, CustomUserList gives you a dynamic, in-game solution. Players can type a simple command and instantly see which staff members are available, which donors are currently online, or any other group you define. The plugin respects vanish status when paired with VanishNoPacket, so hidden staff won’t appear in the list—keeping your moderation presence discreet when needed. Everything is driven by permissions, meaning you decide exactly who belongs to each list without touching messy rank files.

Key Features That Make CustomUserList Stand Out

• Multiple user lists: Define as many lists as you need, each with its own alias, permission node, and display format.
• Vanish support: Automatically hides vanished players when VanishNoPacket is installed, preventing accidental reveals.
• Permissions-based grouping: Works with any permissions plugin (PermissionsEx, GroupManager, LuckPerms, etc.)—just assign the correct node.
• Prefix and suffix display: When Vault is installed, the plugin can pull player prefixes and suffixes from your chat manager, making lists look polished.
• Easy reload: Apply changes on the fly with /customuserlist reload without restarting the server.
• Update checker: Optional automatic update notifications on server startup.

How the Plugin Works Behind the Scenes

CustomUserList reads its configuration from two YAML files: config.yml for global settings and userlists.yml for the actual list definitions. Each list is a separate entry where you specify the display name, the permission node required to be shown, the command alias players will use, and the header/footer messages. When a player runs the alias command, the plugin scans all online players, checks their permissions, filters out vanished users (if applicable), and formats the output according to your template. It’s that simple.

If you want to get the plugin running without digging through manual file setups, you can easily install it via the foxygame.net launcher—a convenient, flexible, and modern Minecraft launcher where you can download mods and plugins right from the menu, saving you time and keeping everything organized in one place.

Commands and Permissions at a Glance

The plugin introduces a handful of straightforward commands that both players and admins will use daily. Here’s a breakdown:

Player Commands

• /customuserlist list – Shows all loaded UserLists. Permission: customuserlist.list
• /customuserlist show <UserList name> – Displays a specific list. Permission is set per list in the configuration.
• /<UserList alias> – A shortcut command defined by you. For example, if you create a staff list with alias staff, players simply type /staff. Permission is also per list.

Admin Commands

• /customuserlist reload – Reloads plugin data without a server restart. Permission: customuserlist.admin.reload
• /customuserlist version – Shows the current plugin version. No special permission required.

Setting Up Your First User List

After dropping the JAR into your plugins folder and restarting the server, you’ll find a default config.yml and an empty userlists.yml. The real magic happens in userlists.yml. Each list entry needs a unique name (like “staff” or “donors”), a permission node (e.g., customuserlist.staff), and an alias. You can also customize the header, player format, and footer. For example, a staff list might show each online staff member with their prefix and name, while a donor list could highlight their donation rank.

The configuration is well-documented on the plugin’s dedicated help page, so even if you’re new to YAML, you’ll find clear examples. Remember that prefixes and suffixes only appear when Vault is installed—without it, the plugin gracefully falls back to plain usernames.

Dependencies You Should Know About

CustomUserList is designed to be lightweight, but it can leverage a few optional dependencies to enhance functionality:

• A permissions plugin – Required. Any plugin that integrates with the Bukkit permissions API works (PermissionsEx, GroupManager, LuckPerms, etc.).
• Vault – Optional. Enables prefix, suffix, and group name display in lists. Without it, only raw player names appear.
• VanishNoPacket – Optional. When installed, vanished players are automatically excluded from all lists, preserving staff privacy.

Real-World Use Cases for Your Server

CustomUserList isn’t just for staff directories. Creative server owners have used it for donor recognition, builder teams, event helpers, and even temporary role lists during competitions. Because each list has its own permission node, you can grant different lists to different player ranks. For instance, regular players might see only the staff list, while VIPs can also view a “mentors” list. The flexibility is immense.

Troubleshooting and Common Questions

If a list appears empty even though you know players are online, double-check that those players actually have the permission node specified in the list definition. Also, if VanishNoPacket is installed, vanished players won’t show up—intentionally. For prefix issues, ensure Vault is correctly installed and your chat plugin is compatible. The debug: true option in config.yml can help you trace permission checks, though you’ll rarely need it.

Final Thoughts on Enhancing Your Server’s Transparency

The CustomUserList plugin fills a niche that many servers overlook: giving players a clear, always-updated view of who’s available to help or who’s part of special groups. It’s easy to configure, respects vanish, and plays nicely with any permissions setup. Whether you run a small survival community or a large minigame network, adding this plugin takes only a few minutes but significantly improves the player experience. With version 2.4.1 tested on Bukkit 1.7.2 and a responsive developer open to feature requests, it’s a reliable tool that deserves a spot in your server’s plugin lineup.