Minecraft Data Pack Generator

A data pack is not something you paste into chat. It is a folder of JSON files that the world loads, and it is how loot tables, recipes, advancements and reusable functions actually work. This generator builds that folder for you with the right pack_format and the right directory names for your version, then hands you a ZIP you can drop straight into a world.

Read the guide Resource pack generator

Resource packs change how the game looks. Data packs change how it behaves. Most servers end up needing both.

Pack details

Pack name Namespace Target version Description

The namespace keeps your files from colliding with vanilla and with other packs. Lowercase letters, numbers and underscores only — it becomes part of every ID, like harbor:load.

What to include

Load function — runs on /reload Tick function — runs 20× per second Example loot table Example crafting recipe Example advancement

The examples are working starting points, not decoration: edit the JSON and reload. A tick function runs constantly, so leave it off unless you actually need per-tick logic.

Files in the pack

Inspect a file

File

pack.mcmeta

Every pack needs this file at the very top of the folder. If pack_format does not match the game you are running, Minecraft marks the pack as incompatible.

How to install

Download the ZIP.
Put it in .minecraft/saves/<world>/datapacks/
In game, run /reload
Check it loaded with /datapack list

On a server the folder is <world>/datapacks/ next to level.dat. You can keep it zipped or unzip it — Minecraft accepts both.

Version trap

Minecraft 1.21 renamed every content folder to the singular: functions became function, loot_tables became loot_table, and so on. A pack using the old names on 1.21+ still loads and then quietly does nothing. This generator switches names automatically when you change the target version.