How to Install Mods from Modrinth in Minecraft Java Edition

Key Takeaways

Point	Details
Modrinth is a repository	Modrinth is a repository that hosts mods for Forge and Fabric.
Manual installation	download the mod .jar, place it in the .minecraft/mods folder.
In-game browsers like Easy	In-game browsers like Easy Install and Modrinth Direct let you install mods from the title screen.
Always match the mod	Always match the mod version to your Minecraft version and mod loader.
Some in-game mod browsers	Some in-game mod browsers auto-resolve dependencies.

Modrinth has become one of the go-to places for Minecraft mods, offering a clean, open-source repository for both Forge and Fabric mods. If you're new to modding or just want a straightforward way to install mods from Modrinth, this guide covers two methods: the classic manual approach and the modern in-game browser method.

Modrinth, which is a repository providing Forge mods. Modrinth, which is a repository providing Forge mods.

Manual Installation: The Classic Way

This method works for any mod loader and any version of Minecraft Java Edition. It's the most reliable and doesn't require any extra mods.

Step 1: Install a Mod Loader Before you can use any mod, you need a mod loader. The two most common are Fabric and Forge. Forge is a free, open-source modding API and loader designed to simplify compatibility between community-created game mods in Minecraft Java Edition.

Minecraft Forge is a free, open-source modding API and loader designed to simplify compatibility between community-created game mods in Minecraft: Java Edition. Minecraft Forge is a free, open-source modding API and loader designed to simplify compatibility between community-created game mods in Minecraft: Java Edition.

Download the installer from the official website (e.g., files.minecraftforge.net for Forge), run it, and select "Install client." The Minecraft launcher will then show a new launch option for that Forge version.

Step 2: Find Your Mods Folder After running the Forge or Fabric installer at least once, the game creates a mods folder inside your Minecraft directory. You can find it:

• Windows: Press Windows Key + R, type %appdata%/.minecraft, and navigate to the mods folder.
• macOS: In Finder, press Command + Shift + G and enter ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft.
• Linux: The folder is at ~/.minecraft (press Ctrl + H in your file manager to see hidden folders).

Step 3: Download and Place the Mod Go to Modrinth.com and search for the mod you want. Make sure it supports your mod loader (Fabric or Forge) and your exact Minecraft version. Download the .jar file and drag it into the mods folder.

Step 4: Launch and Enjoy Start Minecraft using the mod loader profile (e.g., "forge-1.20.1") from the launcher. The mod should now be active.

In-Game Installation: The Browser Mod Approach

If you prefer to stay inside Minecraft, several mods add a Modrinth browser directly to the title screen. These are especially handy for quickly trying out new mods.

Easy Install

This mod lets you browse, install, and update mods, resource packs, data packs, and shaders from Modrinth directly in-game.

Browse, install, and update mods, resource packs, data packs, and shaders from Modrinth directly in-game! Browse, install, and update mods, resource packs, data packs, and shaders from Modrinth directly in-game!

Modrinth Direct

Modrinth Direct is designed for Fabric mods. It adds a searchable Modrinth browser to the main menu, so you can find and install mods without ever opening a web browser or launcher.

Search and install Fabric mods directly from the Minecraft title screen — no browser or launcher required. Search and install Fabric mods directly from the Minecraft title screen — no browser or launcher required.

Source (In-Game Mods)

This mod provides a similar experience but with automatic dependency resolution — it will download required libraries for you.

Browse, search, and install Modrinth mods directly from the Main Menu. Browse, search, and install Modrinth mods directly from the Main Menu.

Auto-resolves dependencies. Auto-resolves dependencies.

To use any of these, first install them manually (since you can't use an in-game browser to install itself). Once installed, you'll see a new button on the title screen or main menu. Click it, search for mods, and click install. The mod handles the rest.

Which Method Should You Use?

• Manual installation is best if you want full control, are setting up a server, or need to install mods that aren't on Modrinth.
• In-game browsers are ideal for quickly testing new mods or building a modpack on the fly. They save you from juggling browser tabs and file explorers.

Both methods work with the same mod files, so you can mix and match as needed. Just remember to always check the mod's supported version and loader before installing.

For a deeper look at how mods differ from other customization options, see our guide on Mods vs Resource Packs: Understanding Minecraft Customization. If you're new to modding entirely, start with Understanding Minecraft Mods and Modpacks.