How to install Minecraft mods with Fabric, Forge or NeoForge
Updated
To install a Minecraft mod, install the mod loader it needs (Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt) for your Minecraft version, put the mod's .jar file in the .minecraft/mods folder, then launch the game with the loader's profile.
Steps
- Check the loader and version
The mod's page names its loader and Minecraft version. A Fabric mod needs Fabric, a Forge mod needs Forge.
- Install the loader
Download the installer for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt from its official site and run it for your Minecraft version. Fabric mods usually also need Fabric API.
- Open the mods folder
Open .minecraft (on Windows press Win+R and type %appdata%\.minecraft). Create a folder named mods if it is not there.
- Add the mod
Copy the mod's .jar file, plus any mods it depends on, into the mods folder.
- Launch with the loader profile
In the Minecraft launcher, pick the Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt profile and press Play.
Tips
- Launchers such as Prism Launcher keep a separate mods folder per instance, which avoids mixing versions.
- For a server, install the same loader on the server and put server-side mods in its mods folder.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix Fabric and Forge mods?
No. Each loader only runs its own mods. Quilt can run most Fabric mods, and NeoForge runs mods built for NeoForge.
Why does Minecraft crash after adding a mod?
Usually a missing dependency, a mod for a different Minecraft version, or two mods that conflict. Open the crash report in .minecraft/crash-reports to see which mod.