packwiz
packwiz is a free, open-source command line tool for creating Minecraft modpacks with TOML metadata rather than managing JAR files directly.
What packwiz is
packwiz is a free, open-source command line tool for creating Minecraft modpacks with TOML metadata rather than managing JAR files directly. The metadata is designed for version control and sharing with Git. Its CLI can install mods and resource packs from CurseForge and Modrinth, update individual mods or all mods, import CurseForge packs, and export packs for CurseForge or Modrinth. Packs can be hosted over HTTP or HTTPS, and a local server is available for testing. The Java-based packwiz-installer supports automatic installation and updates, optional mods, and side-only mods; it can be used with MultiMC and ATLauncher. Packs can also include configuration files, scripts, and other files for corresponding game folders. The pack index records file hashes for integrity checks. The maker recommends packwiz for private server packs and packs intended for CurseForge or Modrinth. Installation options include prebuilt binaries through GitHub Actions or compiling from source with Go 1.19 or newer.
Good
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Mod and resource pack sources include CurseForge and Modrinth
- TOML metadata can be version-controlled and shared with Git
- Installer supports automatic updates and optional or side-only mods
Watch out
- Not well suited to users who want a GUI
- Not well suited to managing downloaded mod files
- CurseForge exports cannot differ between server and client
Who it suits
packwiz suits people who are comfortable using a command line and want to create or distribute Minecraft modpacks for private servers, CurseForge, or Modrinth. It is not aimed at people seeking a GUI or a tool for managing downloaded mod files.
Verdict
packwiz offers metadata-based modpack creation and installation through a command line workflow. Its stated limitations matter for people who prefer a graphical interface or need to manage downloaded mod files.
The facts
Each one read from packwiz's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- CurseForge export limit
- CurseForge's pack format does not support side-only mods, so packwiz cannot create an exported pack that differs between server and client.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Custom files
- Configuration files, scripts, and other files can be included in a pack and installed into corresponding game folders.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- Packs can be hosted over HTTP or HTTPS, and packwiz includes a local server for testing.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Downloaded files
- The maker says packwiz is not well suited to managing downloaded mod files and suggests using Curse/GDLauncher or another CLI.checked 4 Oct 2026
- GUI limitation
- The maker says packwiz is not well suited to people who want a GUI; the site mentions third-party efforts.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The installation page offers prebuilt binaries through GitHub Actions and says packwiz can also be compiled from source with Go 1.19 or newer.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Installer
- The Java-based packwiz-installer supports automatic installation and updates, optional mods, and side-only mods; it can be used with MultiMC and ATLauncher.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrity
- The pack index lists files with hashes for integrity checking, and external file metadata can specify supported hash formats including SHA-256, SHA-512, SHA-1, and MD5.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker recommends packwiz for distributing private server modpacks and creating packs for CurseForge and Modrinth.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Limitations
- The maker says packwiz is not well suited to managing downloaded mod files or to users who want a GUI.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Mod sources
- It can install and update multiple mods from CurseForge and Modrinth.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Pack formats
- packwiz can export packs for CurseForge and Modrinth and import CurseForge packs.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- packwiz is a command line tool for creating Minecraft modpacks using TOML metadata files instead of managing JAR files directly.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Server use
- packwiz-installer can download server-side mods, and the docs describe integration with itzg's docker-minecraft-server through the PACKWIZ_URL environment variable.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users who need help to their Discord server.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Version control
- Its TOML-based metadata is designed to be version-controlled and shared with Git.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2019checked 28 Sep 2026
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