Resource pack or mod
A resource pack changes how blocks and items look, or how the game sounds. It isn't a mod: it doesn't change how the game works. Pick a pack made for your edition and version. This guide covers Java; on Bedrock, use the content options available on your device, such as the Marketplace.
Installing on Java, step by step
- Download the pack from its creator's page or an official page.
- In the game, open Options, then Resource Packs.
- Click "Open Pack Folder" and copy the pack archive into that folder.
- Go back to the menu: the pack shows up in the list. Select it and confirm.
- Try it in a world you know well, to compare.
To switch back, disable the pack from the same menu: nothing is lost.
If the pack doesn't show up
- Check the edition and version the pack is made for.
- Look at the archive's structure: some downloads contain several files. Follow the author's instructions rather than renaming a file at random.
- An incompatibility warning deserves a check, not an automatic activation.
Keeping the game smooth
A very detailed pack can slow down rendering, especially at high resolution. Compare the same scene with and without the pack. If the game slows down, read the guide Understanding ping, FPS and TPS before blaming the server.
Safety
A resource pack never needs your Microsoft password. If a site asks for it, close it. Honestly, creators' official pages are more than enough.
To go further than looks, the guide to installing mods with Fabric explains the steps on Java.
Sources and versions
Minecraft: Java resource packs, Bedrock add-ons. Sources checked in October 2026.