How to Use the Schedules Feature in Pterodactyl

The Schedules feature in Pterodactyl allows you to automate tasks like server restarts, backups, or running specific commands at predefined intervals. This guide will walk you through every aspect of creating and managing schedules in Pterodactyl.

Written By Cptcr

Last updated About 1 year ago

What Are Schedules?

Schedules are automated tasks that run based on specific times or intervals you set. They can:

  • Restart your server daily.

  • Run cleanup scripts automatically.

  • Execute game commands at certain times (e.g., broadcasting messages).

  • Trigger backups or resource checks without manual intervention.

Accessing the Schedules Tab

  1. Log In: Go to panel.cptcr.cc and log in to your account.

  2. Select Your Server: Click on the server you want to manage from the dashboard.

  3. Open the Schedules Tab: From the server control panel, click the Schedules option in the sidebar.

Creating a New Schedule

Step 1: Add a Schedule

  1. In the Schedules tab, click the Create Schedule button.

  2. Fill out the required fields:

    • Name: Give your schedule a descriptive name (e.g., "Daily Restart" or "Backup Task").

    • Enabled: Toggle this to ON to activate the schedule.

Step 2: Set a Time for the Schedule

Define when and how often the task will run:

  1. Cron Expression: Use the five fields (Minute, Hour, Day, Month, Day of Week) to set the schedule's timing.

    • Example:

      • 0 3 * * * → Runs at 3:00 AM every day.

      • 0 */6 * * * → Runs every 6 hours.

      • */10 * * * * → Runs every 10 minutes.

  2. Use this cron expression generator if you need help setting up custom timings.

Step 3: Add Tasks to the Schedule

  1. Once the schedule is created, click on it to open the task editor.

  2. Click the New Task button to add a task.

  3. Select the type of task:

    • Send Command: Execute a command on your server. For example:

      • say The server will restart in 5 minutes!

    • Power Action: Perform server actions like Restart, Stop, or Start.

    • Backup: Create a server backup automatically.

  4. Arrange tasks in the order they should run by dragging and dropping them if needed.

Example: Creating a Daily Restart Schedule

  1. Name: "Daily Restart"

  2. Cron Expression: 0 4 * * * (Runs every day at 4:00 AM).

  3. Task 1:

    • Type: Send Command

    • Command: say Server will restart in 1 minute!

    • Timing: 0 seconds (Runs immediately when the schedule triggers).

  4. Task 2:

    • Type: Power Action

    • Action: Restart

    • Timing: 60 seconds (Runs 1 minute after the first task).

Editing or Deleting a Schedule

  1. Go to the Schedules tab.

  2. Select the schedule you want to edit or delete.

    • To edit, update the schedule’s name, timing, or tasks as needed.

    • To delete, click the Delete Schedule button.

Troubleshooting

  • Schedule Not Running?

    • Ensure the schedule is enabled.

    • Double-check the cron expression for errors.

    • Confirm that your tasks are properly configured.

  • Tasks Running Out of Order?

    • Verify the timing delays between tasks. Each task should have enough time to complete before the next one starts.

Conclusion

The Schedules feature in Pterodactyl is a powerful tool for automating repetitive tasks, improving server uptime, and managing maintenance efficiently. By following this guide, you can easily set up, modify, and optimize schedules to suit your server's needs.

For further assistance, visit our support page or open a ticket with our team!