# How to Install Mods from Modrinth in Minecraft Java Edition Canonical: https://guides.gaialegends.pro/posts/install-mods-modrinth-minecraft-java Published: 2026-11-03 Updated: 2026-11-03 Version scope: Minecraft Java Edition 1.20+ (Fabric/Forge) > To install mods from Modrinth, download the mod file for your mod loader (Fabric or Forge) and game version, then place the .jar file in your Minecraft mods folder. For a smoother experience, use an in-game mod browser mod like Modrinth Direct or Easy Install to search, download, and update mods directly from the title screen without leaving the game. To install mods from Modrinth, download the mod file for your mod loader (Fabric or Forge) and game version, then place the .jar file in your Minecraft mods folder. For a smoother experience, use an in-game mod browser mod like Modrinth Direct or Easy Install to search, download, and update mods directly from the title screen without leaving the game. ## 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 ![How to Install Mods from Modrinth in Minecraft Java Edition supporting Minecraft scene 1](/images/posts/install-mods-modrinth-minecraft-java-inline-1.webp) 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](/posts/mods-vs-resource-packs-minecraft-customization). If you're new to modding entirely, start with [Understanding Minecraft Mods and Modpacks](/posts/understanding-minecraft-mods-modpacks). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need a mod loader to install mods from Modrinth? Yes. Mods from Modrinth require a mod loader like Fabric or Forge. These loaders inject the mod code into the game. Without one, the mod files won't be recognized. ### Can I use Modrinth mods on a server? Yes, but both the server and all clients must have the same mods installed. Some mods are server-side only, while others need to be on the client as well. Check the mod's description for details. ### What if a mod doesn't appear in the in-game browser? Some mods may not be indexed by the browser mods, or they might be for a different loader. You can always fall back to manual installation by downloading the file from Modrinth's website. ## Sources - Modrinth, which is a repository providing Forge mods. — [Mods/Forge](https://minecraft.wiki/w/Mods/Forge) - Minecraft Forge is a free, open-source modding API and loader designed to simplify compatibility between community-created game mods in Minecraft: Java Edition. — [Mods/Forge](https://minecraft.wiki/w/Mods/Forge) - Browse, install, and update mods, resource packs, data packs, and shaders from Modrinth directly in-game! — [Easy Install](https://modrinth.com/mod/easy-install) - Search and install Fabric mods directly from the Minecraft title screen — no browser or launcher required. — [Modrinth Direct](https://modrinth.com/mod/modrinth-direct) - Browse, search, and install Modrinth mods directly from the Main Menu. — [Source (In-Game Mods)](https://modrinth.com/mod/sourcemods) - Auto-resolves dependencies. — [Source (In-Game Mods)](https://modrinth.com/mod/sourcemods)