How to install Fabric mods

Fabric is a lightweight, fast mod loader that is usually first to support new Minecraft versions. Most Fabric mods also need Fabric API.

TipUse a separate profile with its own game folder for each modpack so mods for different versions don't mix.

Download the Fabric installer

Go to fabricmc.net/use and download the installer for your system.

Install Fabric Loader

Run the installer, choose the Client tab, pick your Minecraft version and click Install. A fabric-loader profile appears in the launcher.

Download the mod and Fabric API

On the mod page set “My game” to your version and Fabric, then click Download. Almost every mod needs Fabric API — it's listed under “Also needed”.

Put the files into the mods folder

Open the .minecraft folder and the mods folder inside it (create it if missing). Put the downloaded .jar files there without unpacking them.

%appdata%\.minecraft\mods

Launch the game with the Fabric profile

Pick the fabric-loader-… profile in the launcher and press Play.

ImportantThe mod version must match the game version: a 1.21.1 mod won't run on 1.20.1.

Where the .minecraft folder is

SystemPath

Windows%appdata%\.minecraft

macOS~/Library/Application Support/minecraft

Linux~/.minecraft

Common mistakeDon't unpack the .jar — the game reads the file as is.

FAQ

The mod doesn't show up in the game — what now?

Check three things: the game runs with the Fabric profile, the mod version matches the game version, and all required dependencies (listed on the mod page) are in the mods folder too.

Can I use mods made for another loader?

No. A mod is built for a specific loader: a Forge mod won't run on Fabric and vice versa. The exception is Quilt, which runs most Fabric mods.

Where do I get Java?

The official Minecraft launcher installs the right Java by itself. You only need Java separately for the loader installer and for servers — use Java 21 (Minecraft 1.20.5+) or Java 17 (1.18–1.20.4).

Mods to start with

Fabric APILightweight and modular API providing common hooks and intercompatibility measures utilized by mods using the Fabric toolchain.

Iris ShadersA modern shader pack loader for Minecraft intended to be compatible with existing OptiFine shader packs

Mod MenuAdds a mod menu to view the list of mods you have installed.

LithiumNo-compromises game logic optimization mod, useful for both single-player games and multi-player servers.