Refract review
A broad, free launcher for players moving libraries and modpacks from other launchers.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Refract is an open-source Minecraft launcher for desktop players who want separate, isolated instances alongside tools for mods, modpacks, worlds, servers, screenshots, logs, and Java runtimes. It is especially well suited to users migrating from other launchers because it can import libraries from Prism Launcher, MultiMC, Modrinth, ATLauncher, CurseForge, and GDLauncher. Support for Windows, macOS, and Linux gives it coverage across the main desktop operating systems.
Its ecosystem fit is a central strength. Refract can install modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, while also supporting mods, shaders, resource packs, and datapacks. Profiles can use Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt, and the launcher can detect and download required Java runtimes. Automatic updates and crash-report copying add maintenance support, while per-instance settings and files help keep different configurations separate. This combination makes Refract suitable for players who move between modded setups rather than maintaining one simple installation.
The product also reaches beyond launching: users can manage worlds, backups, servers, screenshots, logs, memory limits, launch behavior, themes, and layouts in one application. That breadth is useful for experienced players and households managing multiple configurations, but may feel excessive for anyone who only needs a basic Vanilla launcher. Refract is distributed as free software under the GNU GPL v3.0 license, which fits users who value open-source software. Choose it for migration flexibility, multiple loader options, and instance management; choose another launcher if you need mobile or console support, or prefer a narrower desktop tool.
Refract pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Imports libraries from six established Minecraft launchers
- Supports Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB content sources
- Manages instances, Java runtimes, worlds, backups, and servers
- Where it doesn't
- Desktop-only support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Its broad feature set may be more than casual players need
- GPL v3.0 licensing may not suit proprietary software preferences
Refract fact sheet, pricing and score →
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