Linear Reader Mod Wiki › FAQ
Linear Reader Mod FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I convert my existing world to use Linear Reader?
Linear Reader automatically converts your world's region files the first time you load it with the mod installed—no manual action needed. The mod will replace standard Anvil files with the Linear format as chunks are saved during normal gameplay.
Will Linear Reader work on my server without players needing to install it?
Yes, Linear Reader works server-side only and requires no client-side installation. Players can join and play normally; the mod handles compression and file format changes transparently on the server.
What's the difference between the fast and deep compression?
Fast compression (level 4) runs during active gameplay to keep CPU usage low and maintain smooth performance. Deep compression (level 22) automatically activates when the server is idle, aggressively shrinking file sizes without impacting players.
Can I go back to standard MCA files if I want to remove the mod?
Yes, use the command `/linearreader export-mca start` to convert your Linear format world back to standard Anvil region files. This creates a full backup in the standard format that works without the mod.
Does Linear Reader cause lag or performance issues?
No—the mod uses fast compression during gameplay to minimize CPU load, and deep recompression only happens when the server is idle. Memory caching of recently used regions actually reduces disk reads and can improve performance.
How much disk space will I actually save?
Savings vary by world content and activity, but you can check exact metrics with `/linearreader benchmark` to see compression performance and write/read times for your specific setup.
What happens if the server crashes during compression?
Linear Reader creates automatic backups of region files before compression, so your data is protected even if a crash occurs. Use `/linearreader health` to verify your world's integrity after any unexpected shutdown.
Does the mod delete chunks automatically?
Linear Reader includes a safe chunk pruning system that cleans up empty and unused chunks, but it's designed to be non-destructive. Check `/linearreader health` to monitor what's being pruned and ensure no important data is affected.
Can I see how much space I'm saving and compression speed?
Run `/linearreader benchmark` to view compression performance metrics and speed tests, or use `/linearreader health` to check runtime statistics and current storage usage.
Will Linear Reader work with other mods that modify world saves?
Linear Reader operates at the region file level and is generally compatible with most mods, but mods that directly manipulate Anvil files may conflict. Test on a backup world first if you're using mods that heavily modify world data storage.