Refract
- Android app
- Not listed
- Free plan
- Yes
- Runs on
- Windows, Mac, Linux
Summary
Refract is a free software launcher for managing Minecraft modpacks on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, with a built-in catalog for discovering compatible content. Each pack runs in its own instance, separating mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options. The launcher can install dependencies, update individual mods, and apply automatic updates; worlds are preserved during updates. Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or breaking saves. Users can configure themes, accent colours, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behaviour. Refract supports multiple mod loaders, both kinds of modpack import, and Java runtime management. It is licensed under GNU GPL v3.0, and its application and website are developed publicly. The project uses Tauri and Rust for its native shell. Discord supports player help and project discussion, while GitHub is used for bug reports, proposals, and code contributions.
Who it is for
Refract suits Minecraft players who want to keep modpacks and their associated settings, worlds, and resources in separate instances. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What is good
- Free software under GNU GPL v3.0.
- Supports Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB packs.
- Keeps each modpack in its own instance.
- Preserves worlds during updates.
- Manages Java runtimes and automatic updates.
What to know first
- Available platforms are limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- The listed support and contribution channels are Discord and GitHub.
Verdict
Refract offers separate modpack instances, update tools, and a built-in catalog across three desktop platforms. Its free-software license and public development may suit players who also want to participate in project discussions or contributions.
Refract plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Minecraft launchers
- Free plan
- Yesgithub.com
- Separate instances
- Yesgithub.com
- Modpack import
- bothgithub.com
- Mod loader support
- multiplegithub.com
- Java runtime management
- Yesgithub.com
- Built-in modpack catalog
- Yesgithub.com
- Automatic updates
- Yesgithub.com
Facts
- Free Software
- Refract is free software.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Open Source License
- Licensed under GNU GPL v3.0.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Public Development
- The application and website are developed in public.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Modpack Sources
- Supports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Instance Isolation
- Each modpack is kept in its own clean instance.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- World Preservation
- Worlds are preserved during updates.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Mod Discovery
- Users can browse compatible content inside the launcher.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Dependency Installation
- The launcher can install mod dependencies.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Mod Updates
- Individual mods can be updated in place.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Instance Components
- Instances separate mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Library Import
- Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or breaking saves.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Customization Options
- Users can choose themes, accent colors, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behavior.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Technology Stack
- Uses Tauri and Rust for a small native shell.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Discord Support
- Discord provides player discussion, help, and project discussions.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- GitHub Contributions
- GitHub is used for bug reports, change proposals, and code contributions.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Community Discussions
- Discussions support ideas and questions needing more room.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
- Copyright Holder
- Copyright is attributed to Refract contributors in 2026.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
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Where it ranks on Everything Xiaomi
- Best Minecraft Launchers in 2026#2 of 74
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Sources
- refractmc.net· checked 27 Sept 2026