Tutorial:Installing mods
A mod allows players to modify Java Edition, such as adding and modifying existing features like items, blocks, commands, and entities. Installing them requires a mod loader such as Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge.
Locating the mods folder
[edit | edit source]Before installing any individual mod files, the game's directory must be opened to locate or create the active container directory.
1. Follow these steps clearly and use this operating system run command:
- Windows: Press Win+R, type
%appdata%\.minecraft, and press either ⏎ Return or ⎆ Numpad Enter. - macOS: Open Finder, press Cmd+⇧ Shift+G, type
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft, and press either ⏎ Return or ⎆ Numpad Enter.
- Windows: Press Win+R, type
2. Look for a folder named mods. If it does not exist, right-click, create a new folder, and name it exactly mods (lowercase).
Mod loaders
[edit | edit source]You need to choose and install a specific mod loader environment. Note: Mods built for one loader are generally incompatible with the others.
Fabric
[edit | edit source]Fabric is a lightweight, quick updating mod loader. It affects less performance than NeoForge and Forge, though it is less content-heavy.
1. Navigate to the official FabricMC website and download the installer. Choose "Download for Windows" if you want a simple .exe installer and choose "Download universal jar" if you are on Mac or Linux.
2. Run the installer, select your desired Minecraft game version, and click Install.
3. Download the mandatory companion mod, Fabric API, from an official website. The Fabric API mod is mandatory for many, but not all Fabric mods.
4. Place the Fabric API and your desired mods.jar files directly inside your newly created mods folder.
Forge
[edit | edit source]Forge is the legacy modding ecosystem that powers many classic, extensive total-conversion mod packs. It is highly content-heavy though it highly affects performance and most of its mods are outdated (mostly on 1.12.2, 1.16.5 and 1.20.1).
1. Navigate to the official MinecraftForge download page and download the "Installer" for your desired game version.
2. Launch the downloaded file. Select Install client and click OK.
3. Once processing finishes, the loader profile will automatically appear in your official launcher dropdown menu.
NeoForge
[edit | edit source]NeoForge is a fork of the old outdated Forge loader. It affects more performance than Fabric, though it is more content-heavy.
1. Go to the official NeoForge download page and select the installer for your desired version.
2. Open the executable jar installer file.
3. Make sure the target pathway points to your root directory, choose Install Client, and confirm.
Adding individual mods
[edit | edit source]Once a loader installation is complete:
1. Download your .jar mod files from trusted community websites (such as CurseForge or Modrinth).
2. Take the downloaded files into the mods folder.
3. Restart the game launcher, select the correct loader profile from the version menu, and launch the game.
