Hello Minecraft! Launcher
Hello Minecraft! Launcher, or HMCL, is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher for Windows, macOS, Linux, and project-listed FreeBSD systems.
What Hello Minecraft! Launcher is
Hello Minecraft! Launcher, or HMCL, is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher for Windows, macOS, Linux, and project-listed FreeBSD systems. It manages mods, game customization, mod-loader installation, modpack creation, and launcher interface settings. Supported loaders include Forge, NeoForge, Cleanroom, Fabric, Legacy Fabric, Quilt, LiteLoader, and OptiFine. HMCL can search and download mods from CurseForge and Modrinth, import Curse, MultiMC, and Modrinth modpacks, and export HMCL, MultiMC, and MCBBS formats. Its Java tools manage installations and select a suitable version for different game releases. Documentation recommends isolating instances so files and mods do not conflict. The interface offers multiple color schemes and custom backgrounds. Stable downloads list Windows 7+, macOS 13+, and universal Linux/FreeBSD builds requiring Java 17+. The project began in 2015 and is distributed under GPLv3 with additional terms. Minecraft play requires a purchased Microsoft account or an offline or external account.
Good
- Supports eight listed mod loaders
- Imports and exports several modpack formats
- Searches CurseForge and Modrinth mods
- Manages suitable Java versions
- Free GPLv3 open-source launcher
Watch out
- Minecraft play requires an account
- Stable Linux and FreeBSD builds need Java 17+
- Modified versions have additional GPLv3 terms
- Instance isolation is recommended to prevent conflicts
Who it suits
HMCL suits Minecraft players who manage multiple loaders, mods, modpacks, and Java versions. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and listed FreeBSD builds.
Verdict
HMCL focuses on modded Minecraft setup, Java handling, and customizable instances across several desktop systems. It is free and open source, with account requirements applying to gameplay.
Plans and prices
From Hello Minecraft! Launcher's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Hello Minecraft! Launcher | Free | GPLv3 open source · Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD |
The facts
Each one read from Hello Minecraft! Launcher's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Account requirement
- The FAQ says Minecraft play requires a purchased Microsoft account or an offline or external account.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Customization
- The launcher supports multiple color schemes and custom background images.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Download formats
- The download page lists Windows 7+, macOS 13+, and universal Linux/FreeBSD builds requiring Java 17+ for the stable release.checked 11 Oct 2026
- File verification
- The HMCL documentation provides a page to check whether an HMCL file is an official build.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Instance isolation
- The documentation recommends isolating game instances so their mods and files do not conflict.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Java handling
- HMCL can manage Java and select a suitable Java version for different game versions.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is distributed under GPLv3 with additional terms for modified versions and the displayed copyright notice.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Mod loaders
- The project lists support for Forge, NeoForge, Cleanroom, Fabric, Legacy Fabric, Quilt, LiteLoader, and OptiFine.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Mod loader support
- multiplechecked 19 Sep 2026
- Mod management
- It supports mod management, game customization, mod loader installation, modpack creation, and interface customization.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Modpack formats
- The official site says HMCL can import Curse, MultiMC, and Modrinth modpacks, and export HMCL, MultiMC, and MCBBS modpacks.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Modpack import
- filechecked 19 Sep 2026
- Mod sources
- HMCL includes search and download for mods from CurseForge and Modrinth.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- HMCL is an open-source launcher for Minecraft.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The documentation directs users to GitHub issues to report bugs or submit suggestions.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The repository lists Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD, plus x86, ARM, RISC-V, MIPS, and LoongArch CPU architectures.checked 11 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2015checked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
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