What are overlays in pack.mcmeta?

Overlays (introduced in 1.20.2) allow you to include version-specific assets in a single pack. Files in overlay directories replace base pack files when playing on matching versions, enabling backwards compatibility.

What are experimental features in Minecraft packs?

Feature flags enable experimental gameplay changes like trade rebalancing, redstone experiments, and minecart improvements. When your pack enables a feature, worlds using the pack will have access to those experimental features. Note: Bundles were experimental but are now part of the base game in 1.21.2+.

Minecraft pack.mcmeta Generator

Generate valid pack.mcmeta files for Minecraft resource packs and data packs. Fill in your pack details and get a properly formatted file ready to use.

Pack Details

Pack Type *

Minecraft Version * pack_format: 48

Description *

Use text component (colors & formatting)

supported_formats (Optional)

Enable backwards compatibility range

min_format / max_format (Required for 1.21.9+)

min_format

max_format

Specify the range of pack formats your pack supports

Add pack_format for pre-1.21.9 compatibility

Overlays

Custom Languages

Experimental Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pack.mcmeta file?

The pack.mcmeta file is required for every Minecraft resource pack and data pack. It tells the game the pack format version and provides a description shown in the pack selection screen.

What is the difference between Resource Pack and Data Pack formats?

Resource Packs and Data Packs use different pack_format numbers even for the same Minecraft version. For example:

1.21.4 - Data Pack: 61, Resource Pack: 46
1.21 - Data Pack: 48, Resource Pack: 34
1.20.3 - Data Pack: 26, Resource Pack: 22

Always select the correct pack type before choosing your version.

What are overlays?

Overlays (introduced in 1.20.2) allow you to include version-specific assets in a single pack. Create subdirectories with overlay content, then specify which pack format range each overlay applies to.

Example structure:

assets/ - Base pack assets
overlay_1_20/assets/ - Assets for 1.20.x
overlay_1_19/assets/ - Assets for 1.19.x

What is the filter section for?

Filters let you exclude files from lower-priority packs (like vanilla Minecraft). Use regex patterns to match:

namespace - The namespace to filter (e.g., "minecraft")
path - Path pattern (e.g., "textures/entity/.*" to exclude all entity textures)

What are experimental features?

Feature flags enable experimental gameplay changes. Current experimental features:

minecraft:trade_rebalance - Overhauled villager trades
minecraft:redstone_experiments - Tweaks to redstone circuit behavior
minecraft:minecart_improvements - Faster and smoother minecart movement

Note: Bundles were experimental but are now part of the base game in 1.21.2+.

Where do I put the pack.mcmeta file?

Place pack.mcmeta in the root folder of your pack:

Resource Pack:

.minecraft/resourcepacks/MyPack/pack.mcmeta

Data Pack:

.minecraft/saves/WorldName/datapacks/MyPack/pack.mcmeta

What changed in 1.21.9+ pack format?

Starting with Minecraft 1.21.9, the pack format structure changed:

New required fields: min_format and max_format (integers or [major, minor] arrays)
pack_format: Only needed for backwards compatibility with older versions

Backwards compatibility thresholds:

Data packs: Add pack_format if min_format < 82
Resource packs: Add pack_format if min_format < 65

How do I use text component descriptions?

The description field supports Minecraft's text component format for rich formatting:

Simple: {"text":"My Pack","color":"gold"}
With formatting: {"text":"Bold Pack","bold":true,"color":"red"}
Multiple parts: [{"text":"My ","color":"white"},{"text":"Pack","color":"gold"}]

Enable "Use text component" checkbox and enter valid JSON in the description field.