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An add-on is a way to change Minecraft Bedrock Edition. It can add new items, blocks, mobs, recipes and sounds, or change how the game works. Add-ons are Bedrock's version of what Java players call mods, but they're built from data files and scripts that the game loads, rather than changes to the game itself.
Every add-on is made of packs. A behaviour pack controls how things work, and a resource pack controls how they look and sound. Most add-ons need both turned on in a world.
Step by step
Behaviour packs
The behaviour pack holds the rules: item stats, mob health and behaviour, recipes, loot, world generation, functions and scripts.
Resource packs
The resource pack holds the looks: textures, 3D models, animations, sounds, particles and names.
.mcpack and .mcaddon files
A .mcpack file is one pack. A .mcaddon file bundles several packs, usually a behaviour pack and a resource pack together. Opening either on a supported device imports it into Minecraft.
What you can change
Add-ons can add weapons, tools, armour, food, blocks, ores, mobs, biomes, structures and dimensions, plus menus, HUDs, camera views and player animations.
Where add-ons work
Bedrock runs on Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad, Xbox, PlayStation and Switch. Consoles can't import add-on files directly, but console players can use add-ons through Realms and friends' worlds.
Making your own
You can write add-ons by hand in JSON, or use a tool like Addon's Studio, which makes the files for you. It runs in your browser on phones, tablets and computers, is free to start and needs no coding.
Tips
- Turn on both the behaviour pack and the resource pack, or things may show missing textures or not work at all.
- Back up your world before adding a new add-on to it.
- Only download add-ons from sources you trust.
- If something doesn't show up, turn on Content Log in Minecraft's Creator settings to see errors.
Questions
Are add-ons the same as mods?
They're similar. Add-ons are the system built into Bedrock for customising the game, while mods usually means Java Edition. Java mods don't work in Bedrock, and add-ons don't work in Java.
Are add-ons free?
Many are, and you can make your own for free. Some add-ons on the Minecraft Marketplace cost Minecoins.
Do add-ons turn off achievements?
Usually, yes. Worlds with behaviour packs turned on don't earn achievements. Use a separate world for add-ons if achievements matter to you.
Is Addon's Studio made by Mojang?
No. It's an independent app. It isn't an official Minecraft product and isn't approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.
Related guides
Try it free
Addon's Studio runs in your browser. No download, no coding.