Hologram Plugins: FancyHolograms vs DecentHolograms vs HolographicDisplays

Server owners adding floating text to a spawn, leaderboard or info board can choose from plugins with different server support and editing features. This comparison covers FancyHolograms, DecentHolograms and the archived HolographicDisplays project, so you can shortlist one to test against your server version and needs.

Compare server support and display features#

All three projects create holograms, but their support and maintenance status differ. FancyHolograms is aimed at Paper and Folia, DecentHolograms supports Paper and Spigot, and HolographicDisplays is an older Bukkit and Spigot project whose repository is archived.

These are the checked pages' descriptions, not a promise that every feature works with every server build. Confirm the current download's requirements before installing, especially when running a newer Minecraft version or a server fork.

1. FancyHolograms#

FancyHolograms suits owners running Paper or Folia who want text, item or block holograms and controls for appearance such as position, rotation, scale, alignment, background colour and shadows. It supports MiniMessage formatting and integrates with PlaceholderAPI and MiniPlaceholders.

FancyHolograms Free A Paper and Folia hologram plugin using display entities, with text, item and block holograms and MiniMessage formatting. On Modrinth

What it does well#

The project uses display entities and its documentation says hologram data is sent to clients as packets. The docs describe in-game commands with tab completion for managing holograms, so you do not have to edit config files for those tasks. FancyHolograms also works alongside FancyNpcs, which may help when a hub uses both floating text and NPCs.

Who it suits and what to check#

Choose it as a candidate if your server is Paper, Folia or a compatible Paper fork and its display controls match what you need. Its documentation excludes Spigot, Bukkit, Sponge and Fabric. The Modrinth page includes a Java 25 or higher requirement in its description, while other version information on that page differs. Check the requirements shown for the current download before updating or installing.

For setup, the docs say to put the plugin jar in the plugins folder, restart, then verify it with /fancyholograms version. The getting-started page shows creating and editing a text hologram with commands such as /hologram create text myHologram and /hologram moveHere myHologram. Follow the current documentation for the full command syntax.

2. DecentHolograms#

DecentHolograms is a candidate for Paper or Spigot owners who want text, item, head or entity lines, multiple pages, animations, click actions or permission-based visibility. Its listing advertises support across versions 1.8 to 26.2 and PlaceholderAPI support.

DecentHolograms Free A packet-based hologram plugin for Paper and Spigot with pages, click actions, animations and a long version range. On Modrinth

What it does well#

The wiki describes packet-based holograms, with no physical server entities for its holograms. A hologram can have multiple pages, and players can use left or right click actions to run commands or switch pages. Other controls include display range and permission-based visibility. The command groups include hologram creation and editing, lines, pages and display entities; commands start with /dh.

Who it suits and what to check#

Consider it when you need its page or interaction features, or when Spigot support matters. The Modrinth listing names Paper and Spigot as loaders, not Folia. Its README also notes limitations for entity-based lines: text always faces players and cannot change font or size, some entities make sounds, and icons rotate and bob. Check which line type you are using if those details affect your display.

The project offers downloads through Modrinth, SpigotMC and GitHub. Its wiki documents commands and features, while the SpigotMC page identifies the listed build and release date. Check the current listing and wiki for requirements and syntax before planning a migration or installing on a production server.

3. HolographicDisplays#

HolographicDisplays is a Bukkit and Spigot hologram project with a long history, but its original GitHub repository was archived and made read-only on 21 June 2024. The old SpigotMC listing shows version 2.13 and a tested range of 1.8 to 1.15.

HolographicDisplays Free A long-running Spigot hologram plugin whose original repository has been archived and is no longer maintained. On GitHub

What it does well#

Its name may come up when maintaining an older server or reviewing an existing setup. The archived repository includes a wiki, and the project is GPL 3.0. Its old SpigotMC listing is marked free.

Who it suits and what to check#

Treat it as a legacy reference, not a first choice for a current server. The repository is no longer actively maintained, and the old listing does not establish current-version compatibility. The listing's tested range stops at 1.15, and its reviews report problems on 1.17 and newer. For a current Paper or Spigot server, compare the maintained alternatives above and test your holograms before replacing an existing plugin.

Shortlist one and test your holograms#

Start with the server software you actually run. If you use Folia, FancyHolograms is the candidate whose checked listing includes Folia; DecentHolograms' checked Modrinth listing does not. If you need Spigot support, DecentHolograms lists Spigot, while FancyHolograms' docs say it does not support Spigot. HolographicDisplays' old version range makes it a poor starting point for a current setup.

Then compare the display behavior you need. FancyHolograms offers text, item and block holograms with appearance controls. DecentHolograms adds pages and click actions alongside text, item, head and entity lines. If you use PlaceholderAPI, both current alternatives describe integration or support for it. Check the plugin's own documentation for the syntax and behavior you plan to rely on.

Try your shortlist on a test server that matches production. Make one example info board, one placeholder line if you use placeholders, and any click action or page change players will need. Confirm that the output looks right from the player view and that the plugin's requirements match your exact server build. If you run FancyNpcs, FancyHolograms' documented compatibility with it may be useful when checking how your hub components work together.

For hub layout ideas, see our lobby design guide. If your floating text sits near interactive characters, our NPC plugin comparison covers that neighboring choice. To review the server software behind your setup, see Paper vs Purpur vs Folia.

Frequently asked questions#

Does DecentHolograms work on Minecraft 1.21?#

Its SpigotMC listing is titled for versions 1.8 to 26.2, and its Modrinth page lists recent game versions up to 26.2. Check the current download and requirements for your exact server version before installing.

Which hologram plugin supports Folia?#

FancyHolograms lists Folia as a loader on Modrinth, and its documentation says it requires Paper or Folia. The checked DecentHolograms Modrinth listing names Paper and Spigot, not Folia.

Can I use PlaceholderAPI placeholders in a hologram?#

FancyHolograms describes PlaceholderAPI integration, and DecentHolograms lists PlaceholderAPI support. Check each project's current documentation for setup and placeholder syntax.

Should I use HolographicDisplays on a current server?#

The original repository is archived, and its old Spigot listing says it was tested on versions 1.8 to 1.15. The checked sources do not establish compatibility with current versions, so shortlist a currently documented alternative instead.

Do holograms cause lag?#

The checked project pages describe how these plugins render holograms, but they do not provide a comparable performance benchmark. Test the number and type of displays you plan to use on a copy of your server and observe its behavior before launch.