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How to Manually Download and Install CurseForge Mods

For Minecraft Java, match the mod's version and loader to your profile, then put its .jar file in that profile's mods folder. CurseForge steps differ for Sims 4 and Hytale.
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For Minecraft Java Edition, download a mod file that matches your Minecraft version and modloader, then place its .jar file in the mods folder for the profile you intend to launch. The steps are different for other games on CurseForge, including The Sims 4 and Hytale.

Manually install a Minecraft Java mod

  1. Check the mod’s version and loader

    Open the mod’s project page on CurseForge and review its available files. Choose one compatible with both the Minecraft version and modloader used by your profile. CurseForge lists Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, and Quilt as supported loader options; a mod is not necessarily compatible with every version or loader combination. See CurseForge’s Minecraft troubleshooting guide and its Minecraft mods guide.

  2. Download the mod file

    Use the project’s file or download controls to save the compatible mod file. For the Minecraft Java manual installation described in CurseForge’s Minecraft mods guide, the mod file is a .jar.

  3. Find the correct profile’s mods folder

    Open the folder for the Minecraft profile you will actually launch, then open its mods folder. If the profile was created in the CurseForge app, use that profile’s dedicated modding environment rather than assuming the standard .minecraft folder is the destination. CurseForge lists these default modding root locations for its app: Windows C:Users[user]curseforgeminecraft, Mac /Users/[user]/Documents/curseforge/minecraft/, and Linux /home/[user]/Documents/curseforge/minecraft. These are root folders; navigate from the relevant root to the specific profile and its mods folder. Details are in CurseForge’s Minecraft mods guide.

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  4. Put the file in the folder and launch the profile

    Copy or move the downloaded .jar into that profile’s mods folder. Keep the file intact: do not unzip it. Launch Minecraft using the same version and modloader required by the mod.

Manual installation or the CurseForge app?

Option How it works Useful when
Manual placement You download the file, check its compatibility, and place it in the target profile’s folder. You want direct control over the file and destination and are comfortable navigating folders.
CurseForge app The app’s install flow lets you choose a new profile or an existing profile; it can detect the mod’s Minecraft version and loader and set profile properties. You prefer a guided installation. Compatible options can also be adjusted in advanced settings.

See CurseForge’s app installation guidance for the app-managed route.

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These steps are not the same for every CurseForge game

  • Minecraft Java: Use a compatible mod .jar in the intended profile’s mods folder.
  • The Sims 4: CurseForge has a separate PC manual installation guide. It describes extracting downloaded ZIP content when needed and placing the resulting files in the appropriate directory. Do not use the Minecraft .jar instructions for Sims files.
  • Hytale: CurseForge’s Hytale guide directs users to choose “Download file manually” on the website and place the downloaded file in the Hytale mod folder.

If a Minecraft mod does not appear in game

  • Confirm that the mod file is in the mods folder for the profile you launched, not a different installation or modpack.
  • Check that the file supports both that profile’s Minecraft version and its modloader.
  • Make sure you launched the matching modded profile rather than a different game version or loader.

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