How to install Forge, NeoForge, Fabric and Quilt

A mod loader is what lets Minecraft load mods. Each mod is built for one or more loaders and for specific Minecraft versions, so the first decision is which loader your mods need. If you are unsure, the loader comparison explains the differences.

Before you start

• Launch the Minecraft version you want once from the official launcher, so its files are downloaded.
• Back up your worlds (the saves folder) before modding an existing installation.
• Only download loaders from their official sites and mods from Modrinth, CurseForge or the author’s own site. Repost sites often bundle outdated or modified files.

Option 1: a launcher that handles loaders for you

The simplest route is a launcher with built-in loader support, such as Prism Launcher, the Modrinth App or the CurseForge app.

1. Create a new instance or profile.
2. Pick the Minecraft version and choose the loader (Forge, NeoForge, Fabric or Quilt) in the same screen.
3. Add mods through the launcher’s mod browser. Most of these launchers also install required dependencies.
4. Launch the instance.

Each instance has its own mods, config and saves folders, so packs never mix.

Option 2: the official installers

Forge

1. Download the installer for your Minecraft version from the official Forge site (files.minecraftforge.net).
2. Run it, choose Install client and confirm the game folder.
3. Open the official launcher, select the new Forge profile and launch once.

NeoForge

1. Download the installer from neoforged.net for your Minecraft version.
2. Run it, choose Install client and finish.
3. Launch the new NeoForge profile once.

Fabric

1. Download the Fabric installer from fabricmc.net.
2. Choose the Minecraft version and loader version, then install.
3. Launch the new Fabric profile once.
4. Most Fabric mods need Fabric API. Put the Fabric API file for your Minecraft version in the mods folder.

Quilt

1. Download the installer from quiltmc.org and install for your version.
2. Quilt can run most Fabric mods. Quilt users normally install the Quilted Fabric API (QFAPI) instead of Fabric API.

Adding mods

1. Open the game folder. With the official launcher this is .minecraft (on Windows, %appdata%\.minecraft).
2. Put each mod’s .jar file in the mods folder. Create the folder if it does not exist.
3. Check that every mod is for the same Minecraft version and loader.
4. Install every required dependency. The dependency finder lists them for mods in our library.
5. Launch. If it crashes, see crash on startup.

Common mistakes

• Mixing Forge and Fabric mods in one folder.
• Using a mod for 1.21 in a 1.21.1 instance. Versions must match.
• Forgetting a library such as Fabric API, Citadel or Balm.
• Running old Forge versions on a new Java. See Java versions for Minecraft.