How to install Minecraft resource packs

Download the pack's .zip file, open Options → Resource Packs → Open Pack Folder, drop the file in and move the pack to the right-hand list. No mods are needed. Texture packs are resource packs too, so they install the same way.

Java Edition

1. Download a resource pack or texture pack. Keep the .zip; don't unzip it.
2. In Minecraft, open Options → Resource Packs and click Open Pack Folder.
3. Drop the .zip in that folder and go back to the game.
4. Click the pack in the left list to move it to the right, then click Done.

The folder is .minecraft/resourcepacks. You can use several packs at once: the one at the top of the right-hand list wins where they change the same thing.

"Made for an older/newer version" only means the pack was made for another version. It often still works; if textures look wrong, look for a version of the pack made for yours.

Bedrock Edition

1. Download the .mcpack file and open it. Minecraft starts and imports it.
2. Open Settings → Global Resources, find the pack under My Packs and activate it.

Server resource packs

Many servers send their own pack when you join, for custom items, menus or sounds. If you said no by mistake, select the server in Multiplayer, click Edit and set Server Resource Packs to Enabled or Prompt.

Data packs

Data packs change how the game works (recipes, loot, world generation) rather than how it looks. They belong to one world:

• New world: on the Create New World screen, open More → Data Packs and drop the .zip in.
• Existing world: put the .zip in .minecraft/saves/<world name>/datapacks, open the world and type /reload.
• Server: put it in world/datapacks on the server and run /reload or restart.

Want lighting and shadows too? Read how to install Minecraft shaders.