Getting Started

The very first item you will need to craft is a Building Tool because it is used to in the recipes to create the items that will spawn your Minecolonies buildings. The Building Tool will also allow you to place the buildings into the world more effectively. At first, using (right clicking with) the Building Tool to place a building can be very confusing. But it's important to note that the Building Tool will not actually place anything into the world until you click the green checkmark button, so you can always hit the "esc" key to quit out and cancel the placement of a building.

Next, you will need to craft a Supply Camp (or a Supply ship), and then place the Supply Ship block in the world. You can place it just like a normal block, or by right-clicking with the Building Tool, then selecting "Supply Ship" in the upper left of the Building Tool GUI.

To get started with your village, you'll need to build 3 things: A Builder's Hut, a Town Hall, and a Citizen's Hut. (A citizen's hut is recommend, but not technically necessary.) Your citizens can then take up worker positions, the first one being the Builder. You'll need to craft a Builder's Hut, where your Builder can start construction on your buildings. Craft by builders wand at the top middle door in the middle then surround by wood planks.
 * Note: The Town Hall block can not be crafted, this is intentional. It can however be obtained either by crafting and placing the Supply Ship OR the Supply Camp (only 1 of these two options can be placed in the World by each player). If needed it can also be obtained in Creative like any other block or by commands. (cited from: https://wiki.minecolonies.com/source/buildings/townhall )
 * The protected area of your Colony (after the Town Hall has been placed) will be a 8 chunks radius, measured from where you placed your Town Hall block the first time. Therefore, plan carefully where you want to place your Town Hall. 128 blocks (8 chunks x 8 chunks) in every direction will be your protected Town area including mountains, hills, lakes, oceans, caves, world generated structures, etc. from bedrock to the sky limit. (cited from, and more info here: https://wiki.minecolonies.com/source/tutorials/tutorial )

When you place your Town Hall, four citizens will spawn. If you have any worker's huts built (such as a Builder's Hut, etc.) then one of the villagers will be automatically assigned. You may re-assign them manually.

To get the Builder to build or upgrade any of your buildings, you must go into the chest of the building you want to build, and click "Build" (even if you are upgrading the house). I recommend getting a farmer or fisherman for a supply of food.