Minecraft’s best aspect is its customization. In-game, you can create anything you want. Be it an epic mansion, a cool house, or a shack in the woods, the game’s freedom is unparalleled.
Such creativity extends to the game’s visuals, sounds, and more through files called Texture Packs. Texture Packs in Minecraft are visual overhauls, while their more modern brethren, Resource Packs, can update music and character models, amongst other changes.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about downloading a Texture Pack, installing a Texture Pack, how to extract files, which file format is best for Texture Packs, and a bit more.
But before we get into Minecraft Texture Packs, we should note the difference between these and the game’s other custom option, Resource Packs.
Updated 4/29/2025
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What Are Texture Packs In Minecraft?
Texture Packs are packs that alter what you’re looking at in-game. This means anything from Blocks to Tools to Mobs and more.
Texture Packs may or may not affect the user interface as well. They do not have any effect on gameplay, either. Texture Packs only change the visual aspect of your Minecraft World.
What Are Resource Packs In Minecraft?
Resource Packs, interestingly enough, are the newer version of Texture Packs. Introduced in Minecraft version 1.6, Resource Packs not only adjust textures, but languages, sounds, and mob models, amongst other changes.
A Resource Pack is the ultimate version of a Texture Pack. However, it’s worth noting that some Resource Packs only adjust textures, much like the Texture Packs of yore.
With these differences out of the way, let’s get into how to install Texture Packs in Minecraft.
How To Install Minecraft Texture Packs (Resource Packs) Using CurseForge
If you want to install Minecraft Texture Packs, you must first find some to download. There are a few websites to do this from, but the most popular one is CurseForge. If you don’t have the CurseForge Mod Manager installed, check out our guide on how to do so.
Once installed, you can use the manager to browse Texture Packs/Resource Packs.
1. Select Browse Under Minecraft
Make sure you select Minecraft from the list of games in the left-hand column. Then, click Browse.
2. Search By Resource Packs
Click on the drop-down menu and select Resource Packs. This will show you some of CurseForge’s most popular ones.
3. Select A Resource Pack
Click on one of the Resource Packs to learn more about it.
4. Click Install
Once you’ve read enough about the Resource Pack (Texture Pack) to decide on one, click Install.
5. Select a Mod Profile
Clicking Install will ask you to create a Mod Profile or add the Resource Pack to an existing one. You must do this whenever you install a new Texture Pack through CurseForge.
In this case, we’re going to Create A New Profile.
6. Customize The Profile
Name the Profile, and make sure it’s on the same Minecraft Version as your game. Then, click Create.
7. Click Play
With the Resource Pack installed and the Mod Profile created, click Play to play Minecraft with the Resource Pack.
How To Install Texture Packs Without CurseForge
If you want to go about installing a Texture Pack or a Resource Pack without using CurseForge, instead using the old-fashioned way, this guide is for you.
1. Download Resource Packs
Find a safe space to download Texture Packs online. Planet Minecraft is generally a safe place to go, but keep in mind that you will be downloading files from a third-party website. Use caution when doing so.
2. Open The Run Prompt
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt.
3. Type %appdata%
Type %appdata% into the text box. Then, click OK.
4. Open The .minecraft Folder
5. Select Resource Packs
Since you’re most likely downloading Resource Packs instead of Texture Packs, open the resourcepacks Folder.
6. Copy And Paste The Downloaded Resource Pack
Paste the downloaded Texture Packs (Resource Packs) into the resourcepacks Folder.
If the Texture Pack download is in a zip file, make sure to unpack it before pasting it into the resourcepacks Folder. Some Texture Packs can remain in the zip file, so keep a backup just in case.
7. Launch Minecraft: Java Edition
To activate the Resource Pack, launch Minecraft: Java Edition by clicking the Play button within the Minecraft Launcher.
8. Navigate To Options
Select Options on the Main Menu.
9. Click On Resource Packs
Head to the Resource Packs screen by clicking Resource Packs.
10. Click On The Resource Pack
Click on the Resource Pack within the Resource Packs screen to activate it.
Then, select Done.
Note: You can also open the Resource Packs folder from this screen.
Most Resource Packs should work this way, but if one isn’t showing up on the list, make sure to double-check that your game version is compatible.
Now that you’re aware of how to install Resource Packs in Minecraft, why not start a server with some friends and install a Texture Pack or two? You can always return to the game’s default textures later.
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Max is a freelance writer with a love for gaming and technology. He’s always looking for the next big game to play and tinkers with tech in his remaining free time.
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