Adding server resource packs (Minecraft: Java Edition)

In Minecraft, textures, sounds, and other elements of the game can be modified using resource packs. Server resource packs allow you to automatically provide a custom resource pack for all players on your server.

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Uploading a resource pack

To upload a server resource pack, click the Upload button next to the resource pack option on the Options page. Afterwards drag and drop the resource pack from your file manager into the upload field.

Upload button highlighted in "Resource pack" option

You can then select a resource pack file, or drag and drop resource packs into the resource pack list.

Resource pack upload dialog with an example resource pack

Combine resource packs

It’s also possible to combine multiple resource packs, just like in the Minecraft client. The higher a resource pack appears in the list, the greater its priority. You can change the order of your resource packs by using drag and drop. Once you’ve finished adding your resource packs, click the Upload button to start the upload.

Resource pack upload dialog with multiple example resource packs

Incompatible resource packs

Not every resource pack works with every version of Minecraft. If an incompatible resource pack is detected, it will be marked in red.

Resource pack upload dialog with an example resource pack that is marked as incompatible

This does not necessarily mean that the pack will not work at all, but you will likely encounter glitches and missing textures when using an incompatible resource pack.Minecraft handles incompatible packs differently depending on whether they are installed manually or used as a server resource pack. If an incompatible resource pack works when installed manually, it does not mean that it will also work when used as a server resource pack.

Size limits

Minecraft limits the size of server resource packs. The size limit depends on the Minecraft version you are using, and is generally higher in newer versions of Minecraft. This limit is set by Minecraft and can't be changed by us.

Required mods

Some resource packs may require mods (e.g. OptiFine) to work correctly. They will therefore only work if your players installed the required mod on their devices before joining your server.

Loading server resource packs in Minecraft

By default, server resource packs are optional. This means that players will be asked whether they want to use your resource pack the first time they join your server.

Minecraft dialog asking if the server resource pack should be enabled

If a player rejects the resource pack, they will not be asked again. If they decide to use the pack later, they will have to enable server resource packs manually for the server in the Minecraft server settings.

Edit button highlighted in Minecraft server list

"Server Resource Packs" option highlighted in Minecraft server options

Forcing a server resource pack

It is also possible to force the use of your server resource pack on your server. This is done by enabling the "Require resource pack" option on the Options page and restarting your server.

"Resource pack required" option

Players will then have the choice to either load the resource pack or disconnect from your server.

Minecraft dialog saying that the server resource pack needs to be enabled to play on the server

Changing the resource pack prompt

You can add a message to the prompt that appears when the player connects and is required to download the resource pack. This message can be configured in your server.properties file. 

This feature is only available for Minecraft 1.17 or newer.

Minecraft dialog showing the custom message "Please download my resource pack"

Removing a resource pack

If you no longer want to use a previously installed server resource pack, you can remove it on the Options page.

X button to delete current resource pack highlighted in "Resource pack" option

Self-hosted resource packs

If you already have a direct download link to the resource pack you want to use, you can insert the link on the Options page without having to upload it again. Note that when installing a resource pack like this, many details that are otherwise handled by our system need to be considered. It is therefore only recommended for users who are experienced with configuring server resource packs.

URL to self-hosted resource pack entered in "Resource pack" option