How to Install Minecraft Resource Packs

Find and install resource packs for the Java and Bedrock editions

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Updated on May 5, 2021

There are thousands of Minecraft resource packs to choose from, bringing almost limitless features. Here's how to add resource packs to Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions.

Instructions in this article apply to Minecraft for Windows and Mac.

What Are Minecraft Resource Packs?

Similar to Minecraft mods, resource packs change certain in-game features. Some examples include:

OCD Resource Pack: Improves the graphics by eliminating harsh colors and noise.
RealStuff64: Make graphics look more realistic.
NatureCraft HD Realism: Changes the graphics to a nature-inspired style.
FeatherSong: Changes the graphics to a whimsical, medieval style.
No Menu Click: Removes the menu click sound.
No God No: Give your character the voice of Michael Scott from The Office.
Queen Sound: Listen to songs by Queen while you play.

Where to Find Minecraft Resource Packs

Resource packs are made by Minecraft fans who want to share them with other players. You can find resource packs via a quick Google search, or from fan sites like ResourcePacks.net, MinecraftTexturePacks, and CurseForge.

Resource packs were called texture packs in older versions of Minecraft. You can add older texture packs only if they match the edition of Minecraft you are playing.

Which Edition of Minecraft Are You Playing?

The process for adding resource packs is different depending on the edition. Your resource pack must match the edition and version of Minecraft you're playing.

There are two major editions of Minecraft: Java and Bedrock. If you are playing with Java, the words Java Edition will appear on the Minecraft menu screen. If there is no information about the edition, then you're playing Bedrock. There are also different versions within each edition.

How to Install Resource Packs to Minecraft Java Edtion

Once you've found a resource pack matching the edition and version of the Minecraft game you have, you can add it to your game.

Download the resource pack to your computer. The resource pack will download to your computer as a ZIP file.
Within the Minecraft menu screen, go to Options > Resource Packs.
Drag the expanded file you downloaded from your computer over to the Available Resource Packs file area within Minecraft.
The new resource pack should appear in the menu. Select Open Resource Pack Folder to activate the pack.

If the resource pack doesn't appear, close the Resource Packs menu and reopen it to refresh the Available Resource Packs.
Your Minecraft world will now reflect the new resource. For example, this is how Minecraft looks after the OCD pack is installed.

Many Minecraft resource packs that change the graphics require you to install the Optifine mod.

How to Switch Between Minecraft Versions

If you're playing the Java edition, you can switch between previous Minecraft versions. That way, you can take advantage of older resource packs.

Open the Minecraft Launcher and select Installations.
Select New to create a new Minecraft installation.
Select the Version drop-down menu.
Select the version of Minecraft you want to play.
Select Create.

You can now install resource packs using the steps outlined above. Select this new installation anytime you want to play a different version of Minecraft.

How to Add a Resource Pack to Minecraft Bedrock Edtion

Follow the steps below to install and activate resource packs for Minecraft Bedrock edition.

Download the resource pack and open the .mcpack file. It will automatically import itself into Minecraft.

Mcpedl.com is a reliable website with hundreds of resource packs for Minecraft Bedrock edition.
Open Minecraft (if it doesn't open automatically) and select Settings.

If you only want to apply resource packs to one of your worlds (as opposed to all of them), skip to step 8.
Select Global Resources in the left pane.
Select My Packs.
Select the resource pack you want to enable.
Select Activate.
The pack will now appear under the Active tab. The resource packs will be applied to all of your Minecraft worlds.

Resource packs that are higher up in the list take precedence over those below them.
If you want to activate additional resource packs for one of your worlds (or if you only want to apply resource packs to a specific world), select Play on the main menu.
Select the pencil icon beside your world.
Select Resource Packs in the left pane.
Select My Packs.
Select the resource pack you want to enable.
Select Activate.
The pack will appear under the Active tab and will be applied to your world.

The Controversy Over Minecraft X-Ray Resource Packs

Minecraft X-ray packs are unique because they're not specifically designed to enhance the visuals or sounds. Instead, they are used to help players find diamonds and other valuable blocks. X-ray packs make common blocks like dirt and stone transparent so that players can see where the valuables are hiding.

By making blocks see-through, X-ray packs also make it possible for players to spot monsters and other players. Some players believe using X-ray packs in this way is an unfair strategy. As a result, many servers have banned X-ray resource packs in an attempt to level the playing field.

While it's difficult to tell if a player is using X-ray packs, a server's save logs can detect if a player is using any modifications by tracking mining patterns. Through these patterns and indicators, players who use X-ray packs can be identified and banned from the game.

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