Description

Simple, powerful container protection for your Minecraft server. Protect chests and barrels using wall signs with [private] or [public]. No complicated setup - just place a sign and your container is protected.

What Does This Mod Do?

Private Chests is a server-side Fabric mod that lets players protect chests and barrels from other players.

Attach a wall sign to a chest or barrel and write:

[private] to make it owner-only, with optional shared access
[public] to let everyone open it while still keeping it protected from griefing

The mod handles protection automatically - blocking unauthorized access, preventing chest expansion exploits, stopping hopper theft, and protecting containers from explosions and fire.

Server-side only - no client mod required. Players can join with vanilla clients.

Features

🔒 Simple Sign-Based Protection

Place a wall sign on any chest or barrel
Write [private] or [public] on line 1
[private] supports additional player names on the remaining lines
Supports comma-separated names: Player1, Player2
Use both sides of the sign

🛡️ Comprehensive Security

Private containers - only the owner and listed players can open them
Public containers - anyone can open them, but they stay protected
Prevents chest expansion exploits - non-owners can't place chests next to protected containers
Stops hopper theft - hoppers can't move items in or out of protected containers
Explosion protection - TNT and creepers won't destroy protected containers
Fire protection - fire can't spread to protected containers
Sign protection - only the owner or admin can edit or break protection signs

🎮 Player-Friendly Features

Double chest support - automatically handles double chests
Owner expansion - owners can extend their single chest to double
Easy removal - break your own protected chest/container directly (auto-removes protection)
No player commands needed - players just use signs

🌍 Cross-Platform Compatible

Full Bedrock support via Floodgate/Geyser
Bedrock players can create and use protected containers
Configurable username prefix for Bedrock players

⚙️ Admin Tools

Commands for server management:

/private_chests list
/private_chests list public
/private_chests list private
/private_chests list_in_area [radius]
/private_chests list_in_area [radius] public
/private_chests list_in_area [radius] private
/private_chests info <x> <y> <z>
/private_chests unlock <x> <y> <z>
/private_chests cleanup
Alias: /pchests

How to Use

Creating a Private Container

Place a chest or barrel
Attach a wall sign
Write:

[private] PlayerName1 Player2, Player3

Only you and the listed players can open it.

Creating a Public Container

Place a chest or barrel
Attach a wall sign
Write:

[public]

Anyone can open it, but only the sign owner or an admin can manage the protection.

Sign Format Rules

[private] and [public] must be on line 1 only
Marker is case-insensitive
Marker can be on the front or back
[private] allows usernames on the remaining lines
Owner automatically has access

Managing Protection

To edit access:

Edit the sign text
Only the owner or an admin can edit the active protection sign

To remove protection:

Remove the protection marker from the active sign
Or break your own protected chest/container directly

Dormant signs:

If a protected container already has an active protection sign, extra [private] or [public] signs do not take over automatically
They only become active later if the container is unprotected and the sign owner/admin reactivates them

Admin Commands

All commands require admin permission (configurable, default level 3).

/private_chests list

Shows protected containers across the server.

/private_chests list public

Shows only public protected containers.

/private_chests list private

Shows only private protected containers.

/private_chests list_in_area [radius]

Shows protected containers near your location.

/private_chests info <x> <y> <z>

Shows detailed information:

Container type and location
Owner name
Protection mode (private or public)
Allowed players
Creation timestamp
Last updated timestamp

/private_chests unlock <x> <y> <z>

Forcibly removes protection from a container.

/private_chests cleanup

Removes stale active lock records and dormant sign records in loaded chunks.

Configuration

Config file: config/private-chests.json

{ "floodgatePrefix": ".", "adminPermissionLevel": 3, "maxLocksPerPlayer": 0, "listMaxEntries": 50, "listPreviewEntries": 20, "disableProtectionIfOwnerBanned": true } Option Default Description floodgatePrefix . Prefix for Bedrock players (e.g., .BedrockPlayer) adminPermissionLevel 3 Permission level to bypass locks (0-4) maxLocksPerPlayer 0 Max protected containers per player; 0 = unlimited listMaxEntries 50 Max locks in /list before abbreviating listPreviewEntries 20 Number shown when abbreviated disableProtectionIfOwnerBanned true Remove protection if owner is banned

Invalid values are automatically corrected on startup.