Direct answer

Java Edition dimensions may be stored under one world directory or split into sibling directories depending on the server software. Identify the actual layout before copying or deleting anything.

Recommended procedure

  1. Stop the server and inspect the save directory containing level.dat and region/.
  2. For common Vanilla saves, look for DIM-1 (Nether) and DIM1 (End) under the primary world folder.
  3. For common Paper layouts, check the separate world_nether and world_the_end directories; adjust names if your level-name is not world.
  4. Inspect dimensions/ and mod/plugin documentation for additional namespaced dimensions.

What to do next

Back up all loaded dimensions as one logical set, including associated entities, points of interest and datapacks where needed.

How to verify the result

Perform a copy on staging and travel to previously visited locations in each dimension before accepting the backup.

Version and compatibility notes

Paper’s migration guide documents version-dependent world layouts. Modded and custom-generator saves can contain extra dimension keys: copying only region/ may omit essential world state.

Official references

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