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Start by checking which Minecraft edition you play: Java mods and shaders use third-party loaders and files, while Bedrock add-ons are activated in world settings or accessed through the Marketplace. The steps are different, and not every device supports every route.

Choose the right installation route

Minecraft Java Edition is the PC edition for Windows, macOS, and Linux and supports a community ecosystem of third-party mods. Bedrock Edition spans more types of devices and uses add-ons and Marketplace content. The exact options depend on your device and current platform support; check Minecraft’s Java and Bedrock edition comparison before following a route intended for another platform.

What you want Edition and route What to expect
Change gameplay with a community mod Java Edition; install a compatible mod using the loader and launcher or instance it requires. Third-party software; compatibility and support depend on the mod, loader, game version, and setup.
Use shaders Java Edition; install a shader loader such as Iris, then add a separate shader pack. The loader and the pack are separate components, and both must work with your game setup.
Add content to a world Bedrock Edition; activate a resource pack or behavior pack in that world’s settings. New and existing worlds have different settings entry points; Realms require an upload after changes.
Use purchased Bedrock content Bedrock Edition; open Marketplace > My Library. Download or equip owned content, or use eligible Marketplace Pass content while access conditions are met.

Install mods in Minecraft Java Edition

Before you download

Java mods come from third-party websites. Minecraft Help says Mojang Studios does not create, review, or endorse them, and warns that modding can make the game malfunction or become unplayable. Minecraft Support cannot assist with problems caused by mod use. Treat a mod as independently developed software: research its source, and confirm that its stated Minecraft version, loader, and launcher or instance match your setup. Minecraft’s guidance is at Minecraft Java Edition player safety features.

Installation depends on the mod

There is no single universal Java mod installation procedure in Minecraft’s official guidance. Follow the instructions for the specific loader and mod, and make sure the game profile or instance you launch is the one where the mod is installed. Do not assume that a mod file works simply because it is labeled for Java Edition; compatibility with the game version and loader matters. If the game stops working, remove the recently added files or return to an unmodified profile, then check the mod and loader instructions for compatibility. Minecraft Support does not troubleshoot issues arising from mod usage.

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Install shaders in Minecraft Java with Iris

Iris is a shader loader; a shader pack is separate content that you add after installing the loader. The Iris project guide describes standalone installation and a Fabric route for players combining Iris with Fabric mods. Its detailed instructions were last updated December 8, 2022, so check the current Iris release information and compatibility before choosing a Minecraft version or following interface labels.

Install Iris as a standalone profile

  1. Get the universal Iris installer from the IrisShaders project site and run it.
  2. Choose the Minecraft version supported by the Iris release you intend to use, then complete installation.
  3. Open the Minecraft launcher and select the Iris profile created by the installer before launching the game.

Use Iris with Fabric mods

  1. Install Iris through the Fabric installation option in the Iris installer, following its current instructions.
  2. Put compatible Fabric mods in the active instance’s mods directory. The Iris guide lists these default paths: Windows %APPDATA%.minecraftmods; Linux ~/.minecraft/mods; macOS ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods.
  3. Launch the Fabric/Iris profile for that instance. A custom launcher or separate instance may use a different directory, so use the active instance’s own mods folder rather than assuming the default path.

Add a shader pack

  1. Launch the Iris profile and open Minecraft’s video settings.
  2. Open the Shader Packs tab. Add the shader-pack file by dragging it into the menu or opening the shader-pack folder, as supported by the current interface.
  3. Refresh the shader-pack list if needed, then select the pack in the menu.

The Iris guide explains how to load shader packs but does not establish that any particular pack or download site is vetted. Check a pack’s stated compatibility and source before adding it.

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Activate add-ons in Bedrock Edition

Bedrock add-ons can provide content such as custom blocks, items, mobs, and recipes. They are activated as resource packs or behavior packs, and the activation is attached to a world.

For a new single-player world

  1. Launch Minecraft and select Play, then create a new world.
  2. Open Marketplace content or the Create from screen, then choose Resource packs or Behavior packs.
  3. On the Available tab, activate the add-on you want.
  4. Create the world.

For an existing single-player world

  1. Select Play and select the pencil icon beside the world.
  2. Open Resource packs or Behavior packs.
  3. On the Available tab, activate the add-on, then return to play the world.

For a Realm

  1. Open Play > Realms, choose the Realm, and open Settings.
  2. Select a world slot and choose Edit World.
  3. Under Add-Ons, open Resource Packs or Behavior Packs, activate the desired add-on, and confirm.
  4. Return and wait for the updated world to upload before joining. Players who connect to the Realm automatically download and apply its activated add-ons.

For current screenshots and device-specific details, see Minecraft Help’s add-on installation guide.

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Download and use Bedrock Marketplace content

For content you have acquired, launch Bedrock and open Marketplace > My Library. Find it under Owned or Marketplace Pass, then choose the available action, such as Download, Create this World, or Equip. Minecraft’s guide is at Minecraft Marketplace FAQ.

Marketplace Pass access is conditional: the content must remain in the subscription catalog, the subscription must be active, and you must be signed in to the account used to purchase or access it. Purchased Marketplace content can be downloaded to your device; subscription access is not the same as owning a permanent copy.

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Choose based on your device and content

  • Choose Java mods if you play Java Edition and want community-made gameplay changes, and are prepared to manage third-party compatibility and support.
  • Choose Iris plus a shader pack if you play Java Edition and want shaders; check compatibility for both the loader and the separate pack.
  • Choose Bedrock add-ons if you play Bedrock and want content applied to a particular world through its resource-pack or behavior-pack settings.
  • Choose Marketplace for Bedrock content obtained through Minecraft’s built-in library, while noting that Marketplace Pass access depends on catalog and subscription status.

These routes differ in platform availability, setup, source, and support. Neither edition is universally safer or better for every player.

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