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You can convert a Minecraft world between Java and Bedrock with a world-conversion tool such as Chunker, then import the converted file into the destination edition. Copying a save folder or using Realms does not convert between editions: Java and Bedrock use different world formats. Back up the original first, because some world data—including entities and player inventories—does not carry across editions.

Before you convert: check versions and make a backup

Keep an untouched copy of the original world and convert a duplicate. Conversion can omit data, so do not overwrite the only save or assume the result will be a lossless replacement.

  • Identify the source edition and world version. Check Chunker’s current supported-format list before starting; its supported versions can change. The project README also describes limitations for entities and structure data such as villages and strongholds.
  • Prepare a supported world file. Chunker accepts a root world folder containing level.dat, a ZIP archive, or a Bedrock .mcworld archive. Bedrock can generate an .mcworld file through its export-world functionality.
  • Choose how to run Chunker. The project offers a standalone app for Windows, Mac, and Linux, as well as a command-line interface. The CLI requires Java 17 or later.

Chunker is a third-party project, not a Mojang or Microsoft product. Microsoft Learn states: “Chunker is provided by external, third-party contributors and is not a Mojang/Microsoft offering.” See the Microsoft Learn Chunker overview and the Chunker project README for current details.

Convert a world with Chunker

  1. Open Chunker and select the Java or Bedrock world folder, ZIP, or .mcworld archive you prepared.
  2. Choose the destination edition and a target world version compatible with it. Chunker provides advanced conversion settings, but Microsoft says most worlds do not need changes to convert successfully.
  3. Start the conversion and save the output. Microsoft says processing time depends on world size and that most worlds are ready to download within a few minutes; that is an estimate, not a guaranteed completion time.
  4. Import the result according to its format: open a Bedrock .mcworld file to have Minecraft import it, or copy a Java output folder into Java Edition’s saves directory.
  5. Open the converted copy in the destination game and inspect important builds, storage, dimensions, entities, inventories, and structures before continuing to play on it.

For the documented input and output workflow, see Microsoft Learn’s Chunker instructions. The project’s README is the place to check its maintained version-support list.

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What transfers—and what may not

Microsoft Learn lists level settings; blocks, biomes, and tile entities; multiple dimensions; containers and items; and in-game maps among the data Chunker can convert. That does not mean every feature will be identical after conversion.

World data What the documentation says
Level settings, blocks, biomes, tile entities, dimensions, containers and items, in-game maps Listed by Microsoft Learn as convertible by Chunker.
Entities and player inventories Microsoft Learn says they cannot currently be converted between editions.
Paintings and item frames The Chunker README identifies these as exceptions to its general entity limitation.
Structure data, including villages and strongholds The Chunker README says support is unsupported or limited; do not assume structures will convert intact.

Microsoft notes that entities and player inventories are retained when editing a world while outputting to the same source world version. That same-version case is not cross-edition conversion. The cited documentation does not guarantee identical results for modded features, redstone behavior, or every generated structure.

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If you only need to move a world to another device

For Bedrock-to-Bedrock device transfer, Realms can upload a world on one device and download it on another. It does not convert a Java world to Bedrock or a Bedrock world to Java. Minecraft’s Realms transfer instructions require an active Realms trial or paid subscription and current game versions on both devices.

  1. On the source device, upload the Bedrock world to a Realm slot.
  2. Sign in to the same account on the destination device and open the Realm.
  3. Download the world from that slot as a local copy. Minecraft says the downloaded local world appears with “- Copy” appended to its name.

Java Realms and Bedrock Realms Plus are associated with their respective editions; they are not a bridge between the two world formats. See Minecraft’s Java or Bedrock Edition comparison.

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Platform and access caveat

Chunker’s conversion overview explains accepted files and output formats, but it does not give a complete current export or save-path guide for every desktop, mobile, and console platform. If your world is on a console or mobile device, you may first need to export or retrieve it in a format Chunker accepts. Consult current Minecraft Help guidance for your specific platform rather than relying on a universal file path.

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