How to Make Fireworks in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Craft a firework rocket from paper and gunpowder: it makes 3 rockets, and up to three gunpowder raise the flight duration. Add firework stars for explosions. For elytra boosting use rockets with no star, since a star makes you take explosion damage.

What you need

1 paper per batch of 3 rockets
1 to 3 gunpowder per batch
Optional stars: 1 gunpowder and at least 1 dye per star, plus optional effects

Step by step

Combine 1 paper with 1, 2 or 3 gunpowder to get 3 firework rockets with flight duration 1, 2 or 3 respectively. Put each ingredient in a separate slot; the recipe has no fixed layout. The basic 1-paper, 1-gunpowder recipe fits in the inventory grid.
For elytra boosting, keep the rocket star-free. A rocket with any firework star hurts you when it explodes.
While gliding with elytra, use a star-free rocket to boost in the direction you face. Higher flight duration gives a longer boost. Keep a clear flight path and enough durability to land safely.
For a show, craft 1 firework star from 1 gunpowder and at least 1 dye, in any separate slots. Optional shape ingredients are 1 fire charge (large ball), 1 gold nugget (star), 1 head (creeper face), or 1 feather (burst); choose only one shape ingredient. Add 1 glowstone dust for twinkle and/or 1 diamond for a trail, if there is room in the grid.
Combine 1 paper, 1 to 3 gunpowder and firework stars in separate slots of a crafting table, with no fixed layout. This produces 3 rockets. With 1 gunpowder you can fit up to 7 stars; with 2, up to 6; with 3, up to 5. These limits follow from the 9 crafting slots. Every included star adds an explosion effect.
Launch it by using it on a block, from a dispenser (it flies the way the dispenser faces) or from a crossbow. A crossbow rocket only deals damage if it has an explosion effect.

Java vs Bedrock

In Java, a crossbow rocket that hits an entity explodes instantly. In Bedrock it passes through the entity, so aim where it will explode.

Versions: Describes the current Java and Bedrock releases. See the edition note above for differences.

Frequently asked questions

How many rockets does one craft give?

3 rockets. Use 1 paper and 1 to 3 gunpowder, each in a separate crafting slot. Adding stars gives those rockets explosion effects.

Do fireworks hurt when I fly with elytra?

Only if the rocket has a firework star. Without one it has no explosion.

How do I add a trail or twinkle?

Add a diamond (trail) or glowstone dust (twinkle) to the firework star.

Do crossbow fireworks do damage?

Only with an explosion effect. Higher flight duration gives more range, and each star adds damage.