# How to install Minecraft resource packs

How to install resource packs and texture packs in Minecraft Java and Bedrock, where the resourcepacks folder is, how server packs work, and how to add data packs.

Updated 2026-11-11, 4 minute read. HTML version: https://craftrank.org/guides/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](https://craftrank.org/resources/resource-packs) or [texture pack](https://craftrank.org/resources/texture-packs). 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](https://craftrank.org/guides/how-to-install-minecraft-shaders).