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ShadowTrace

ShadowTrace is a Minecraft mod that allows server administrators to track and inspect ore mining activity using data from CoreProtect.

Fabric
Loaders
Fabric
Downloads on Modrinth
2.7K
Followers on Modrinth
5
versions
12
Updated
September 24, 2026Sep 24
Published
in 2025
Diamond Ores — Diamond ores that are taken by x-ray users. Easy to get an overview of the situation. · swipe

At a glance

Runs on Fabric
For Minecraft 1.21.5–1.21.8, 1.21.10–26.3
Client only — no need to install it on the server
Latest version — 1.2.2 from September 24, 2026
Requires MaLiLib
License LGPL-3.0-only — free
Where it's needed
In gamerequiredOn servernot needed

Install in the game only; not needed on the server

Game versions1.21.5–1.21.8, 1.21.10–26.3

ShadowTrace

ShadowTrace is a Minecraft mod designed to give players a powerful tool for visualizing historical block data directly within the game world. The mod allows users to inspect where and when specific ore blocks were mined, helping server staff detect suspicious mining patterns and possible x-ray usage. Through client-side rendering, ShadowTrace highlights mined blocks in the 3D world with clearly visible colored outlines, making it easy to investigate and analyze block changes.

ShadowTrace is not a standalone mod - it requires the ShadowTrace server plugin to function properly. The server side plugin handles all data queries and sends relevant information to the mod via custom packets. This ensures a clean and efficient separation of logic, where the server handles data processing, and the client focuses on visualization.

Together, the ShadowTrace plugin and mod create a seamless investigative toolset tailored for moderation and anti-cheat purposes on Minecraft servers.

Download the ShadowTrace Server Plugin here.

ShadowTrace is a lightweight mod inspired by the Watson mod, offering a simpler way to visualize removed blocks in Minecraft. While Watson includes many advanced tools, ShadowTrace focuses solely on showing blocks that players have mined or removed. It integrates with CoreProtect and provides a clean, easy-to-use GUI, making it ideal for quickly spotting suspicious activity without the extra complexity.

Features

  • View historical mining activity of players.
  • See exact coordinates of mined blocks.
  • Filter lookups by player and timeframe (e.g. 1m, 1h, 1d).
  • Renders blocks as colored outlines in the world.
  • Each block type has its own distinctive color for easy identification.
  • Supports up to 300 blocks per search, optimized for visibility.
  • Works both for online and offline players.
  • Uses a custom packet system for efficient data transfer.
  • Press G to open the ShadowTrace GUI.

Config file

Add whatever color you want to the different blocks, in hex. You can also add other blocks that you want specific colors on. You can find the configuration file in .minecraft/config/shadowtrace.

{
  "copper_ore": "#bc633d",
  "gold_ore": "#ffaa00",
  "redstone_ore": "#ff0000",
  "nether_gold_ore": "#ffaa00",
  "deepslate_redstone_ore": "#ff0000",
  "deepslate_emerald_ore": "#00cd12",
  "diamond_ore": "#00f2ff",
  "iron_ore": "#e9c0a4",
  "deepslate_copper_ore": "#bc633d",
  "ancient_debris": "#851b00",
  "lapis_ore": "#002bff",
  "spawner": "#9900ff",
  "coal_ore": "#000000",
  "deepslate_iron_ore": "#e9c0a4",
  "deepslate_lapis_ore": "#002bff",
  "emerald_ore": "#00cd12",
  "deepslate_coal_ore": "#000000",
  "deepslate_gold_ore": "#ffaa00",
  "deepslate_diamond_ore": "#00f2ff"
}

Remember to restart the Minecraft client after changing the colors in the configuration file for the changes to take effect.

FAQ

How to install ShadowTrace?

Install Fabric for your Minecraft version, download ShadowTrace for the same version and loader, put the file into the mods folder and launch the game with the loader profile.

Which Minecraft versions does ShadowTrace support?

ShadowTrace has builds for Minecraft 1.21.5–1.21.8, 1.21.10–26.3.

Is ShadowTrace needed on the server?

Client only — no need to install it on the server

License and source
GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 onlyfree to use and share; changes to the mod itself must be published under the same license
Original — Modrinth↗Files unchanged, verified with SHA-512Is this your mod? For rights holders

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