How to Install Custom Modpacks in Minecraft

Overview

 
Downloaded a custom modpack and not sure how to get it running? Installing it takes a bit more than dropping files into a folder: you need the right modloader in place first, then the mod files loaded into the correct spot in your launcher of choice. Forge or Fabric mods can completely change how you experience Minecraft, whether you’re after brand new dimensions to explore or guns for taking down hostile creatures. Most players start with a handful of mods for singleplayer, then move on to running lots of them together for a fuller set of features. That’s what a modpack is: a curated collection of modifications picked to work together for a specific experience. Getting one of these packs running on your launcher isn’t common knowledge, since it involves some specific configuration most players never touch otherwise. This tutorial walks through how to install custom modpacks client-side in Minecraft, covering both the default launcher and CurseForge. If you want to run a Modded Minecraft Server and install mods there instead, check out our server-side guide here.

Preparation

Before installing any custom modpacks in Minecraft, you’ll want to ensure all mod files are easily accessible. This includes placing them into a single folder for you to quickly access them for the installation. For example, if you’ve downloaded some online or using the “mods” folder from an existing modpack, make sure to keep track of them for later. However, people who’ve used the Modpack Creation Addon to have us create a pack can download the necessary files from the Dropbox link via the ticket. If you don’t have a modpack yet and would rather curate your own mod list from scratch, our guide to building your own custom modpack from scratch walks through that process. Once everything is prepared on your computer, you’re ready to install the mods to Minecraft.

Default Launcher Setup

 
The classic way of setting up custom modpacks is using the vanilla Minecraft launcher. Many players do it this way, though it involves prior configuration since mods require either Forge or Fabric depending on their design. Once that’s sorted, adding the mods themselves is easy and doesn’t take much time. Review the sections below to begin using your custom modpack.

Installing Minecraft Forge

 
If you’re wanting to use Forge mods, then make sure to install it on your launcher.

1. Navigate to Forge’s website and locate your desired version.
   

2. Once found, select it and press Installer for the Latest or Recommended builds.
   

3. Save the file somewhere easily accessible, then run it to begin installing it.

 
Note: For more information about this process, visit our dedicated guide.

Installing Minecraft Fabric

 
Mods that use Fabric require that on the launcher, which is done down below.

1. Navigate to Fabric’s Download page, then select the universal jar.
   

2. Save this file somewhere easily accessible on your computer.
3. Afterward, open it up to begin the client installation.

 
Note: For more information about this, visit our dedicated tutorial.

Adding the Mods

 
Once you have Forge or Fabric installed, continue to follow the steps below to add the mods.

1. Open your Minecraft Launcher, then click on Installations at the top.
   

2. Once there, locate your installed modded profile and select its Folder icon.
   

3. In the newly opened window, enter the mods folder.
   

   Note: If you cannot find this folder, then create it before proceeding.

4. Afterward, drag and drop your mod JAR files into this area.
   

5. Return to the launcher and Play on the modded profile to load the custom modpack.

 
Occasionally, some players may try to install custom modpacks that involve extra files. For example, there is a “config” folder that may contain lots of configurations for your mods. Similar files have to be uploaded in the main directory of the Minecraft launcher, outside of the “mods” folder.

CurseForge Launcher Setup

 
Instead of using the default Minecraft launcher to manage your custom modpack, you can use CurseForge to run multiple pack instances side by side. It’s the most popular option for this, since it handles both Forge and Fabric types. The interface is friendly and makes it easy to keep track of all your modded Minecraft profiles. We’ll go through the steps needed to create a custom modpack with this launcher below, plus an alternative worth knowing about.

Installing CurseForge

1. Head towards CurseForge’s Download page.
   

2. Locate your computer’s operating system, then press Download.
3. Save this file somewhere easily accessible on your device.
4. Open it to begin the installation process for the launcher.

Creating a Custom Profile

 
Making profiles for each of your custom modpacks will give you dedicated areas to make any changes to them. It’s extremely easy to set up, as it only takes a few minutes.

1. Start the CurseForge launcher, then click Create Custom Profile in My Modpacks.
   

2. Enter a Profile Name and continue to select the Minecraft Version, then Game Type.
   

   Note: You can change the exact Forge or Fabric build in the Modloader Version.

3. Once everything is filled out, proceed to Create the profile at the bottom right.
   

4. Wait for the profile to completely finish loading the required files.

Uploading the Mods

 
Similarly to adding mods on the default launcher, you’ll need to access the “mods” folder. However, this is now stored in your custom profile’s directory and is straightforward to reach.

1. In the My Modpacks section of the launcher, locate and select your Custom Profile.
2. Continue to press the three vertical dots and click Open Folder in the option list.
   

3. In the newly opened window, open the mods folder.
4. Proceed to drag and drop your desired mod JAR files in this area.
   

5. Afterward, return to the launcher and click Play to the right of the profile.

Modrinth as an Alternative to CurseForge

 
CurseForge isn’t the only launcher built for managing modded profiles. Modrinth has grown into a genuine alternative, with its own app for creating and organizing modpacks in much the same spirit as CurseForge. Instead of browsing mods and modpacks through CurseForge’s ecosystem, Modrinth runs its own platform and its own catalog of mods, resource packs, and modpacks that you can install through a dedicated desktop app.

The Modrinth App follows a similar general workflow to what you’ve just done above: you create an instance, choose your mod loader (Forge, Fabric, or another supported option) and Minecraft version, then add mods to that instance from Modrinth’s catalog or your own files. Some players prefer it for its lighter interface, while others stick with CurseForge out of habit or because a specific modpack is only distributed there. For the full walkthrough of setting up and using Modrinth’s own launcher, including creating an instance and managing your mods within it, see our dedicated guide.

Common Issues

If your mods aren’t working at all, then ensure you’ve installed them properly. Double check that they’re inside the “mods” folder in your Minecraft launcher directory, or inside your custom CurseForge profile. After confirming this and it’s still failing, then make sure the mods are compatible with your game version. Mods built for one major Minecraft version generally will not work on a different major version. For example, a mod built specifically for Minecraft 1.19 won’t load correctly on a 1.21 instance. Additionally, you’ll only be able to run Forge or Fabric instances, not both at once. Once the compatibility is sorted out, everything should begin working. However, occasionally mods will not work regardless of double checking their compatibility. This is due to either missing dependencies or incompatibility by design (conflict between mods).
 

In cases where you’ve successfully installed the custom modpack and you get lag in-game, then try allocating more RAM. This means you’ll be allowing extra memory to your Minecraft launcher so the mods can load and perform better. Doing this will likely resolve most issues, but you may have to review our modded optimization guide to see what other troubleshooting solutions to try. For example, installing a performance modification to your client tends to help with FPS. Sometimes, the entire launcher will crash if the lag isn’t managed.

Minecraft Modpack FAQ: Custom Modpacks, Forge & Fabric

How do I install a custom Minecraft modpack with Forge or Fabric?

First, install the appropriate modloader (Forge or Fabric) for your modpack. Create a new profile in your Minecraft launcher, open its “mods” folder, and drag all the mod .jar files into it. If the modpack includes “config” or “scripts” folders, place them in the main directory of your profile.
 

Can I use both Forge and Fabric mods in the same Minecraft instance?

Generally, no. Forge and Fabric are different modding platforms, and their mods are not compatible with each other. While experimental tools like Patchwork exist to bridge them, they are not officially supported and may not work reliably.
 

How do I install a custom modpack using CurseForge?

In the CurseForge Launcher, navigate to “My Modpacks” and select “Create Custom Profile.” Set your desired Minecraft version and modloader (Forge or Fabric). Once the profile is created, open its “mods” folder, add your mod files, and launch the game from the profile.
 

Why aren’t my Minecraft mods working after installation?

First, ensure your mods match your Minecraft and modloader version and are in the correct “mods” folder. Also, check that you have installed all required dependency mods and are launching the correct game profile. If issues persist, there might be a conflict between two or more mods.
 

What folder do I put Minecraft mods into?

Mod .jar files should be placed in the “mods” folder within your Minecraft installation or CurseForge profile directory. If this folder does not exist, you can create it manually. Any accompanying configuration files usually go in the root folder of the modpack.
 

How do I create a custom profile in CurseForge?

Open the CurseForge app, go to the “My Modpacks” section, and click “Create Custom Profile.” Give your profile a name, choose the game version and modloader, and then you can add mods to its “mods” folder.
 

Why is my Minecraft modpack lagging so much?

Modpacks can be resource-intensive. To improve performance, try allocating more RAM to Minecraft, removing any non-essential mods, or installing performance-enhancing mods like OptiFine or Sodium. You can also lower the in-game video settings. Persistent lag may indicate a mod conflict.
 

Do I need to install Forge for every Minecraft modpack?

Yes, each modpack requires its own specific version of Forge or Fabric. You will need to install the correct modloader version for each modpack you play, even if you already have a different version of Forge or Fabric installed.
 

How can I allocate more RAM to Minecraft modpacks?

You can increase the RAM allocation in the settings of your Minecraft or CurseForge launcher. Look for the Java arguments or memory settings and increase the maximum RAM value (e.g., -Xmx4G for 4GB). Do not allocate more RAM than your system can comfortably handle.
 

What should I do if mods require extra files like configs or scripts?

If your modpack comes with additional folders such as “config” or “scripts,” place them in the root directory of your Minecraft or CurseForge profile. These files should not be placed inside the “mods” folder.
 

Should I use CurseForge or Modrinth for my custom modpack?

Either works, and the choice mostly comes down to personal preference and which platform your specific modpack is distributed through. CurseForge and Modrinth both let you create a custom profile, pick your Minecraft version and modloader, and manage your mods from inside the app. If a modpack you want is only distributed on one platform, that will decide it for you; otherwise, try both and see which interface you prefer.