Last Updated: October 2024 Target Platforms: Minecraft: Java Edition → Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (PE, Windows 10/11, Console, iOS, Android)
If you have been searching for the term "convert jar to mcaddon work," you have likely hit a frustrating wall. You have a classic .jar file (a mod for Minecraft Java Edition) that you love, and you want to play it on your phone, Xbox, or Windows 10/11 version of Minecraft Bedrock.
Here is the hard truth you need to accept before reading further: You cannot directly convert a JAR file into an MCADDON file with a one-click tool.
However, that does not mean it is impossible to get the features of a Java mod into Bedrock. This guide will explain exactly why JAR and MCADDON are different species, the technical workarounds to "convert" the logic, and how to make the final .mcaddon file actually work without crashing. convert jar to mcaddon work
Bedrock uses JSON component‑based definitions.
BP/blocks/my_block.json):
"format_version": "1.20.0",
"minecraft:block":
"description": "identifier": "myaddon:my_block" ,
"components":
"minecraft:destructible_by_mining": "value": 2 ,
"minecraft:light_emission": 5,
"minecraft:material_instances": "*": "texture": "my_block"
BP/items/my_item.json):
"format_version": "1.20.0",
"minecraft:item":
"description": "identifier": "myaddon:my_item" ,
"components": "minecraft:hand_equipped": true
EntityType and AI goals. Bedrock uses entity behavior files and components..geo.json.BP/entities/my_entity.json (behavior) and RP/entity/my_entity.entity.json (client).minecraft:behavior.melee_attack, minecraft:navigation.walk, etc.Create a folder with two subfolders:
behavior_pack/ – Contains manifest.json, entities/, blocks/, scripts/ (JavaScript/TS)resource_pack/ – Contains manifest.json, textures/, models/, sounds/Zip them together and rename .zip → .mcaddon. When double‑clicked, Minecraft Bedrock imports both packs at once. The Ultimate Guide: How to Convert JAR to
Java mods often add custom biomes, ores, and structures. Bedrock uses a different system:
minecraft:ore_feature in behavior pack JSON.structure_set and structure JSONs (similar to Java 1.18+).Alternative: Use Structure Placer add‑ons or pre‑generate structures and import them as *.mcstructure files.
You need the raw textures (.png) and localization (text names). Block example ( BP/blocks/my_block
mod.jar file to mod.zip.assets folder. Inside, you will find:
textures/blocks -> Main resource block images.textures/items -> Inventory images.lang/en_us.json -> Names of the items/blocks.models/block -> Java block models (you cannot use these directly, but they show you the 3D shape).Now you must rebuild the mod using Bedrock's format.
A. Convert Textures
.png texture in GIMP or Paint.NET..png (keep transparency).textures/blocks or textures/items inside your resource pack.B. Convert Block Models
elements arrays.C. Convert Behavior (The Real "Conversion")
This is where you mimic the Java code using Bedrock's BP/entities or BP/items JSON.
Java Example: A sword that sets fire to enemies.
Bedrock Version: Create my_sword.item.json and add:
"format_version": "1.20.0",
"minecraft:item":
"components":
"minecraft:on_hit":
"fire":
"duration": 5