By following these steps, you can harness the assets from a Java JAR file to create your own functional Bedrock add-on. For most users, finding a community-created equivalent on is the most efficient route.
If you want to use the resources from a Java mod in Bedrock, follow these steps to create an mcaddon . 1. Extract the JAR File
Converting a mod means taking the raw logic, models, and textures from the Java .jar archive and rebuilding them inside the structured JSON format that Bedrock requires. Method 1: Using Automated Conversion Tools
Extract the contents using any unzipping utility (7-Zip, WinRAR, or your OS native extractor).
You cannot directly convert or rename a .jar file to .mcaddon . Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use completely different programming languages (Java vs. C++) and different internal structures. This guide explains how to manually recreate the functionality of a Java mod as a Bedrock add-on, not a simple file conversion. how to convert jar to mcaddon
If manual JSON coding and script rewriting feel too intimidating, you can use specialized developer environments designed for Bedrock creation:
As mentioned, this is the gold standard for converting models and textures from Java format to Bedrock format seamlessly.
A .jar is code; an .mcaddon is a data package.
example:
| Java Feature | Bedrock Equivalent | | --- | --- | | Custom world generation | Not possible without experimental features / limited | | Custom GUI screens | Not possible | | Mixins / coremods | Impossible | | Custom dimensions | Very limited (only in beta APIs) | | Advanced rendering (shaders) | Not possible |
Several community-developed utilities exist online to parse Java mods and export them as Bedrock Add-ons.
Most textures can be reused, but you may need to rename them to match Bedrock's directory structure.
Each manifest defines crucial information: By following these steps, you can harness the
Rename the file extension of the newly created archive from .zip to .mcaddon .
Example mod.json file:
Download , a free 3D modeling software widely used for Minecraft.
How to Convert JAR to MCADDON: A Complete Guide to Porting Minecraft Mods (2026 Edition) You cannot directly convert or rename a
Converting a Java edition Minecraft mod ( .jar ) into a Bedrock edition Add-on ( .mcaddon ) requires rebuilding the mod from scratch because the two game versions use completely different programming languages and engines. Java edition uses Java code to alter the game core, while Bedrock edition uses JSON files and JavaScript to modify game data through a built-in API.