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_format: 48
supported_formats (Optional)
Overlays
Filters
Custom Languages
Experimental Features
1

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.

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