How to install Fabric in Minecraft step by step
Install the Fabric loader with the official installer, create the profile in the Minecraft launcher and add Fabric API so most mods work.
Fabric is a lightweight mod loader for Minecraft Java Edition. It installs in a minute with its official installer and works with the official Minecraft launcher.
Before you start
- Have the official Minecraft launcher installed and open it at least once with the game version you want to mod, so it gets downloaded.
- Close the launcher before running the installer.
1. Download the installer
Go to the official Fabric page, fabricmc.net/use/installer, and download the installer. On Windows there is an .exe that needs no separate Java; on macOS and Linux use the universal .jar, which needs a recent Java on your system.
Always download from fabricmc.net. Do not use installers from other sites.
2. Run the installer
- Open the installer.
- On the Client tab, pick the Minecraft version from the list. Tick "Show snapshots" only if you will use a snapshot.
- Leave the Loader Version that is preselected, which is the latest.
- Check the game path is correct (the installer detects it) and that the create-profile option is ticked.
- Press Install.
You will see a success message. The installer creates a new launcher profile named fabric-loader-<version>.
3. Install Fabric API
Most Fabric mods need the Fabric API library. Download it for your same Minecraft version from its MINEMODS page or from the author's page and copy the .jar into the mods folder.
4. Add your mods
Copy your mods' .jar files into the mods folder:
- Windows:
%APPDATA%\.minecraft\mods - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods - Linux:
~/.minecraft/mods
If the folder does not exist, launch the game once with the Fabric profile or create it by hand.
5. Launch the game
In the launcher, select the Fabric profile in the dropdown next to Play and start. If you install the Mod Menu mod, you get a button on the main menu to see and configure loaded mods.
Common problems
- The profile does not show in the launcher. Fully close the launcher and open it again. If it still does not show, repeat the installation with the launcher closed.
- The installer .jar does not open. On macOS or Linux you need Java installed. You can get it for free from Adoptium (Eclipse Temurin). On Windows use the
.exe. - "Fabric API missing" or "requires fabric-api" error. Fabric API is missing or is for another game version.
- A mod says it is for Forge. It will not work on Fabric. Check its page for a Fabric version.
For shaders with Fabric, see How to install shaders.