Mods can transform Minecraft: new dimensions, machines, magic systems, better performance, minimaps, hundreds of new creatures, or simple quality-of-life tweaks. Installing them looks complicated the first time, but it comes down to three steps: install a mod loader, download mods that match your version, and put them in the mods folder. This guide explains how to install Minecraft mods on Java Edition with Forge, Fabric or NeoForge, how to download mods safely, how to use launchers that do everything for you, and what to do on Bedrock Edition, where mods work differently.
Quick answer
- Pick a Minecraft version and a mod loader (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge) that your mods support.
- Install the mod loader with its official installer and run Minecraft once with the new profile.
- Download mods for the same Minecraft version and loader from CurseForge or Modrinth.
- Put the .jar files in the mods folder inside your Minecraft directory.
- Launch the game with the mod loader profile.
Java vs Bedrock: which edition supports mods?
Full mods are a Java Edition feature, on Windows, macOS and Linux. Bedrock Edition, used on consoles, phones and the Windows Bedrock version, does not support Java mods. Bedrock has add-ons and Marketplace content instead, which change mobs, items and textures within limits. If you play on Xbox, PlayStation or Switch, you can use Marketplace add-ons, but you cannot install Forge or Fabric mods. Since 2022, buying Minecraft on PC gives you both Java and Bedrock, so PC players can always switch to Java for mods.
Step 1: Choose a mod loader
Fabric
Fabric is lightweight and updates quickly to new Minecraft versions. It is the favorite for performance mods such as Sodium, Lithium and Iris (for shaders), and for small quality-of-life mods. Most Fabric mods also require the Fabric API mod, which you install like any other mod.
Forge
Forge is the oldest and best-known loader, used by many large modpacks for older versions such as 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2 and 1.20.1. Big content mods like Create, Mekanism and Twilight Forest have long Forge histories.
NeoForge
NeoForge is a newer fork of Forge that many mod developers moved to for recent Minecraft versions. For modern versions, many big content mods now release on NeoForge and Fabric rather than Forge.
The rule is simple: use the loader your chosen mods support. A Fabric mod will not load in Forge, and the reverse is also true, unless you use special compatibility layers.
Step 2: Install the mod loader
Installing Fabric
- Download the Fabric Installer from fabricmc.net.
- Run it, choose the Client tab, pick your Minecraft version, and click Install.
- Open the Minecraft Launcher; a new fabric-loader profile appears. Launch it once and close the game.
Installing Forge or NeoForge
- Download the installer for your Minecraft version from files.minecraftforge.net or neoforged.net.
- You need Java installed for older Forge versions; the Minecraft Launcher includes its own Java for the game, but some installers need a system Java runtime.
- Run the installer, choose Install client, and click OK.
- Launch the new profile once from the Minecraft Launcher to generate the folders.
Step 3: Download mods safely
Only download mods from trusted sites. The two main ones are CurseForge and Modrinth. Both scan uploads and show download counts, version support and dependencies. Avoid sites that repost mods with extra ads or ask you to run unknown executables, because malware has been spread through fake mod sites. On each mod page, filter by your Minecraft version and loader, then download the matching .jar file. Check the description for required dependencies, such as Fabric API, Architectury or Cloth Config, and download those too.
Step 4: Add mods to the mods folder
- Windows: press Win+R, type
%appdata%/.minecraftand press Enter. Open or create the mods folder. - macOS: open Finder, press Cmd+Shift+G and go to
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft. - Linux: the folder is
~/.minecraft.
Drag the mod .jar files into the mods folder. Do not unzip them. Then open the Minecraft Launcher, choose the Fabric, Forge or NeoForge profile, and click Play. On the title screen, a Mods button (Forge and NeoForge) or the Mod Menu mod (Fabric) shows what is loaded.
The easy way: mod launchers and modpacks
If you do not want to manage files, use a launcher that installs everything automatically. The CurseForge app, Modrinth App, Prism Launcher and ATLauncher let you create separate instances for each modpack, install a loader with one click, and add or update mods from a search screen. They also keep modded installs separate from your normal Minecraft, so a broken mod never affects your vanilla worlds. Modpacks such as All the Mods, Create-focused packs, RLCraft or Better Minecraft install hundreds of tested mods in one go.
How much RAM do mods need?
Small sets of mods run fine with the default memory. Large modpacks often need 6 to 10 GB allocated to Minecraft. You can change this in your launcher’s JVM arguments or instance settings. Our guide on how to allocate more RAM to Minecraft explains the safe amounts for your PC.
Fixing common mod errors
- The game crashes on launch: one mod is for the wrong version or loader, or a dependency is missing. Check the crash report, which names the problem mod.
- Mods do not appear: you launched the vanilla profile instead of the mod loader profile.
- Two mods conflict: remove mods one by one to find the conflict, or check each mod’s known incompatibilities.
- Low FPS: add performance mods such as Sodium (Fabric) or Embeddium (NeoForge), and lower render distance.
- World will not load after removing a mod: blocks and items from that mod are missing; always back up worlds before changing mods.
Can you play mods with friends?
Yes. Everyone needs the same mods and versions, and you play together on a modded server or through Open to LAN. Hosting companies offer one-click modpack servers, or you can run the server files yourself; see how to make a Minecraft server.
Add-ons on Bedrock Edition
On Bedrock, add-ons come as .mcaddon or .mcpack files. On Windows or mobile, open the file and Minecraft imports it; then enable the behavior and resource packs in the world settings. On consoles, use the Marketplace inside the game. Add-ons are more limited than Java mods but safer and easier to install.
Mods FAQ
Is it safe to install Minecraft mods?
Yes, if you download from CurseForge or Modrinth and avoid unknown sites and executables.
Do mods work on Bedrock or consoles?
No. Java mods only work on Java Edition. Bedrock uses add-ons and Marketplace content.
Should I use Fabric or Forge?
Use whichever loader your favorite mods support. Fabric is lighter and great for performance mods; Forge and NeoForge host many large content mods.
Can I get banned for using mods?
Not in single-player. On public servers, only use mods the server allows; cheat mods can get you banned.
Where is the mods folder?
Inside .minecraft, at %appdata%/.minecraft/mods on Windows.
Best mods for beginners
If you are new to modding, start small. Sodium or Embeddium boost frame rates, JourneyMap or Xaero’s Minimap add a map, Just Enough Items shows every recipe in the game, and AppleSkin shows food values. Once those work, try a content mod such as Create for machines, Biomes O’ Plenty for new biomes or Farmer’s Delight for cooking. Adding mods a few at a time makes it easy to see which one causes a problem if something breaks.