Chunker

Overview

Chunker is a free tool for converting Minecraft worlds between Java and Bedrock editions, best suited to players and creators who need to move or update a world. Its broad data support and local processing are compelling, but missing entities, player inventories and some structure data can rule it out for worlds that rely on them.

Key features

Edition and version conversion

Chunker converts in either direction between Java and Bedrock and can upgrade or downgrade worlds within supported game versions. It supports Bedrock 1.12.0–1.26.50 and Java 1.8.8–1.21.11 and 26.1–26.3. That range accommodates many older worlds and version changes, but check that both the source and intended target are covered before committing a conversion.

World data, inputs and settings

Conversions can carry level settings, blocks, biomes, tile entities, multiple dimensions, containers, items and in-game maps. You can open a world folder, ZIP archive or MCWORLD file, or drag and drop an input. Processing stays on your machine, a practical advantage for users who do not want to send world files elsewhere.

The significant caveat is data loss: entities and player inventories are not converted, while structure data such as villages and strongholds is unsupported or limited. Worlds that depend on those elements are a poor fit unless you can handle them separately. Conversion and export settings can be adjusted and saved for later use, which is useful for repeat workflows.

CLI and licensing

A command-line interface supports conversion and workflow integration, making Chunker more suitable than a web-only converter for repeat or automated tasks. The CLI requires Java 17 or higher. Chunker is open source under the MIT license, with code available on GitHub. Hive Games describes it as an internal tool offered free to Minecraft partners and the public under an exclusive licensing deal with Microsoft.

Pricing

Chunker's Free plan costs nothing and includes Java and Bedrock world conversion. There is no free trial because the product is free, and no paid tier is needed for the stated conversion capability. This makes it a straightforward option for occasional conversions as well as ongoing use, though the data limitations apply regardless of price.

Platforms

Chunker supports Windows, macOS and Linux, a web interface, and a Java command-line interface. The desktop and web options suit users who prefer a graphical workflow; CLI use requires Java 17 or higher. Archive extraction is supported, and the tool handles world folders, ZIP archives and MCWORLD files.

Who it's for

Choose Chunker if you need to move a Minecraft world between Java and Bedrock, change its supported game version, or repeat conversions with saved settings. Local processing, multiple input formats and a CLI give it range across personal and workflow use. Look elsewhere if preserving entities, player inventories or unsupported structure data is essential.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Converts between both Minecraft editions and supports version upgrades and downgrades across its stated ranges.
• Pros: Works locally and accepts folders, ZIP archives and MCWORLD files, including drag-and-drop input.
• Pros: Reusable conversion and export settings, plus a CLI for workflow integration.
• Cons: Entities and player inventories are not converted, and structure data such as villages and strongholds is unsupported or limited.
• Cons: CLI users need Java 17 or higher.

Alternatives

For a focused inventory-editing option, consider MCBE Inventory Editor, a free tool available on Linux, macOS, Windows, web and self-hosted platforms. biomed is free MIT-licensed software for users seeking that alternative. MCA Selector is another free MIT-licensed option with Windows, macOS, Linux and universal JAR builds. Minecraft Region Fixer is free, GPL-3.0 licensed and requires Python 3.x. Minecraft World Trimmer is free MIT-licensed software provided as-is without warranty. WorldPainter is free and open source under GPL version 3. Bedrock Toolchest is free, with no paywalls, subscriptions or account requirement, and supports Linux and Windows. Universal Minecraft Tool offers a free Windows plan with an NBT editor and world-settings editing, plus a Yearly plan at $5 a year for full access to all apps.

Browse Minecraft World Converters for more conversion options, Minecraft World Editors for editing tools, or Game Modding Tools for broader modding software.

Verdict

Chunker is the right pick for Minecraft players and creators who want a free, local way to convert Java and Bedrock worlds or shift between supported versions. Its broad format and data coverage, saved settings and CLI make it a capable choice without a price barrier. Choose another route if your world must retain entities, player inventories or structure data that Chunker does not reliably convert.