How to Install Fabric (Java Mod Loader)

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Download the Fabric installer free from fabricmc.net, run it, pick your Minecraft version and install - a Fabric profile appears in the launcher. Drop Fabric API plus your mods into .minecraft/mods and play.

What you need

Minecraft Java Edition
The free Fabric installer from fabricmc.net
Fabric API + your mods from Modrinth or CurseForge

Step by step

Run your target Minecraft version once in the launcher so Fabric can hook into it.
Download the Fabric installer from fabricmc.net - free and the only official source.
Run the installer, choose your Minecraft version and click Install. It creates a Fabric profile in the launcher.
Download Fabric API from Modrinth or CurseForge - nearly every Fabric mod needs it.
Put Fabric API and your mods (all matching your game version) into .minecraft/mods.
Launch the Fabric profile. The Mods menu on the title screen lists everything that loaded.
Recommended starters: Sodium (FPS), Iris (shaders), Lithium (server logic), Mod Menu - all free on Modrinth.

Java vs Bedrock

Java Edition only. Bedrock has no mod loaders - use add-ons instead.

Versions: Fabric updates within hours of new Minecraft releases, snapshots included. Match the loader, Fabric API and every mod to your exact game version.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fabric free?

Yes - the installer, Fabric API and mods on Modrinth are all free. Never pay for a mod loader.

Fabric, Forge or NeoForge?

Fabric is light and updates fastest; NeoForge/Forge host the biggest content mods. Pick whichever your mods require - many performance and quality-of-life mods are Fabric-only.