TabCore
If you run a Fabric server, you know how important first impressions are. When players press the Tab key, they see a plain, vanilla list of names. It works, but it feels dated. TabCore changes that by giving you a modern, lightweight tab list that runs entirely on the server. Your players do not need to install anything on their clients. They join with a vanilla Minecraft client, and the server handles the rest. This makes TabCore a perfect choice for SMPs, minigame networks, and even singleplayer or LAN worlds where you want a polished look.
What Makes TabCore Stand Out?
TabCore is built specifically for Fabric, which means it integrates cleanly with your existing setup. It is not a bloated mod that tries to do everything. Instead, it focuses on one thing: the tab list. This focus allows it to be fast, reliable, and easy to configure. The mod uses a modern approach to packet handling, batching updates into single vanilla packets. Text parsing is cached, and placeholders are evaluated on configurable intervals. The result is a smooth experience even on servers with many players.
Custom Header and Footer
You can create a multi-line header and footer for your tab list. Use gradients, RGB colors, and live placeholders to display server TPS, online player counts, or even a custom welcome message. The formatting supports MiniMessage-style tags, so you have full control over colors and styles.
Player Name Formatting
Style every name in the tab list. This works great with LuckPerms prefixes, allowing you to show ranks, staff tags, or custom colors next to player names. You can also add suffixes or other metadata directly from placeholders.
Smart Sorting
Order players by any placeholder you want. Sort by rank weight, player name, ping, or any other value. TabCore uses the vanilla list-order system, so there are no scoreboard-team hacks or weird side effects. It just works.
Hidden Players and Vanish Support
Hide spectators or players who match a specific placeholder condition. This includes built-in support for common vanish mods, so hidden staff members do not appear in the list at all.
Config Profiles
TabCore generates a config/tabcore/ folder on first startup. Inside, you will find default.yml and modern.yml. Each YAML file acts as a separate profile. You can create different layouts for different occasions or servers. Switch between profiles live with a single command, and your choice is saved across restarts. The included modern.yml preset gives you a sleek look right out of the box.
How to Install TabCore for Minecraft
Installing TabCore is straightforward. First, make sure you are running a compatible Fabric server version. TabCore supports modern Minecraft versions and requires the Fabric Loader. To get started, download TabCore and place it into your server's mods folder. You also need Fabric API for the mod to function correctly. The Text Placeholder API is bundled as a normal mod via jar-in-jar, so you do not need to download it separately. However, if you already use Placeholder API from another mod, TabCore will detect it and use your existing version. You can also override the bundled version at any time by installing Placeholder API separately.
If you prefer a more streamlined setup process, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for TabCore. This launcher handles version compatibility and mod dependencies automatically, so you can get your server running without manually tracking down every file.
How to Install and Configure
After placing the mod in the mods folder, restart your server. TabCore will generate the default configuration files. Open config/tabcore/modern.yml to see the modern preset. Edit the header, footer, player formatting, and sorting rules to match your server's theme. When you are done, use the hot reload feature to apply changes in-game without restarting. The mod validates your config and rejects broken files with helpful error messages, keeping your old configuration running until you fix the issue.
Commands and Permissions
TabCore includes a few simple commands to manage your profiles:
/tablist reload- Reload the active profile/tablist profile- List available profiles/tablist profile <name>- Switch to a different profile/tablist version- Show the mod version
By default, these commands require OP Level 2. If you use a permissions mod like LuckPerms, you can assign the tabcore.command.reload, tabcore.command.profile, and tabcore.command.version nodes to specific players or groups.
Placeholder Support and Compatibility
TabCore natively supports the Text Placeholder API. This means any placeholder from any mod works out of the box. Use built-ins like %player:ping%, %server:tps%, or %server:online%. You can also use placeholders from compatible mods such as LuckPerms. This flexibility makes it easy to display rank prefixes, player health, or any other data you need.
For those who want to avoid manual configuration entirely, the foxygame.net launcher includes an add-on catalog where you can find TabCore and other server-side tools. The launcher also provides auto-updates, so you always run the latest version of TabCore without checking for patches manually.
Why Choose TabCore?
TabCore is designed for modern Fabric servers. It is truly server-side, meaning players join with a vanilla client and see the enhanced tab list immediately. The mod does not touch scoreboards, nametags, or chat formatting. It simply does the tab list exceptionally well. Whether you run a small SMP with friends or a large public network, TabCore delivers a clean, modern solution while staying lightweight and performant.
The hot reload feature is a lifesaver for server admins. You can tweak your layout on the fly, see the results instantly, and never worry about downtime. The config profiles make it easy to switch between a casual look for weekdays and a more formal layout for events. With built-in error handling, you can experiment freely without breaking your server.
Final Thoughts
If you are tired of the default tab list and want a professional look without forcing your players to install client-side mods, TabCore is the answer. It is easy to install, simple to configure, and powerful enough to handle any server. Download TabCore for Minecraft today and see the difference a well-designed tab list can make. Your players will notice the polish, and you will appreciate the performance. TabCore is a must-have for any Fabric server admin who values both aesthetics and efficiency.