How to Install Minecraft Maps (Java and Bedrock)

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Java: unzip the download and copy the world folder (the one containing level.dat) into .minecraft/saves - it appears in your Singleplayer list. Bedrock: double-click the .mcworld file and Minecraft imports it automatically.

What you need

A downloaded map: .zip (Java) or .mcworld (Bedrock)
Java: file access to your .minecraft folder
The Minecraft version the map was made for

Step by step

Download maps from CurseForge or Modrinth. Java maps come as a .zip with a world folder inside; Bedrock maps are .mcworld files.
Java: unzip the download. Inside is a folder that directly contains level.dat - that folder is the world.
Open your saves folder: Windows %appdata%\.minecraft\saves, macOS ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/saves, Linux ~/.minecraft/saves.
Copy the world folder into saves and start Minecraft - the map appears in the Singleplayer list.
Bedrock: open the .mcworld file (double-click, or share it to Minecraft on mobile). It imports itself and shows up in your world list.
Check the map's required version: adventure and parkour maps with command blocks often only work on the exact version the creator lists.

Java vs Bedrock

Console players (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch) cannot import map files - only Marketplace worlds or Realms. Map import works on Windows, mobile and Java on any OS.

Versions: Maps made in newer versions will not open in older game versions. Older maps usually upgrade on first open, but command-block contraptions can break across big updates.

Frequently asked questions

The map does not appear in Singleplayer?

Usually nested folders: saves must contain the world folder that directly holds level.dat - not a zip, and not a folder inside a folder.

Are maps free?

Community maps on CurseForge and Modrinth are free. Marketplace worlds on Bedrock can cost Minecoins.