Before diving in, it is vital to understand that you cannot simply rename a .jar file to .mcaddon. A Java mod is written in Java code; a Bedrock add-on uses behavior packs written in JavaScript (often via the GameTest framework) or JSON.
Conversion is essentially a process of rebuilding the mod. You are stripping the Java code and replacing it with Bedrock-compatible code while keeping the assets (textures and models) intact.
| Java Feature | Bedrock Equivalent |
|--------------|--------------------|
| Textures | Copy PNGs to RP/textures/blocks or items |
| 3D models | Convert Java .json block/entity models to Bedrock format (use Blockbench) |
| Recipes | Rewrite as Bedrock recipe JSON |
| Entity behavior | Recreate with Bedrock’s component system (no Java code) |
| Custom logic | Use Script API (JavaScript) or functions |
There is no “convert JAR to MCAddon” button.
Anyone selling a converter is scamming you. how to convert jar to mcaddon best
Best workflow:
Treat the JAR as design documentation, not source code. Rebuild the add-on manually for Bedrock.
Time estimate:
If your .jar file contains custom textures, 3D block models, or sounds (but no complex machine logic), this is the best and fastest method. Before diving in, it is vital to understand
Without a manifest, Bedrock ignores your folder. You need two files:
RP/manifest.json (Resource Pack):
"format_version": 2,
"header":
"name": "Converted Mod RP",
"description": "Port from Java",
"uuid": "generate-a-unique-uuid-here",
"version": [1, 0, 0],
"min_engine_version": [1, 20, 0]
,
"modules": [
"type": "resources",
"uuid": "generate-another-uuid",
"version": [1, 0, 0]
]
BP/manifest.json (Behavior Pack):
Same as above, but change "type": "data". There is no “convert JAR to MCAddon” button
Pro Tip: Use an online UUID generator for each uuid field. Never reuse UUIDs.
Right-click your .jar mod file → Open with 7-Zip → Extract to a folder named Mod_Source.
Inside, you will see folders like:
bridge. or the official Minecraft Add-Ons VSCode extension to compile the project into an .mcaddon.Verdict: Best for custom mobs and creatures. Takes 2–4 hours per mob, but results are playable.
Several community tools claim to "convert" JARs. The best one currently is Minecraft Add-On Maker (for mobile) or Bridge. (for PC). These do not convert code; they read the JAR’s loot tables and spawn rules to generate JSON templates.