Settings without file editing
Change mod options in a proper menu instead of digging through config files.
Minecraft config library
Cloth Config Mod – Advanced Configuration Support for Minecraft
Cloth Config Mod provides a flexible configuration framework for Minecraft mods, helping supported projects deliver clean, structured, and easy-to-manage settings. It is widely used as a dependable library across Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt for smoother configuration management.
My Mod — Settingspowered by Cloth Config
Settings saved to config/mymod.json
What is Cloth Config?
Cloth Config
/klɒθ kənˈfɪɡ/
noun · library mod
A Minecraft Java Edition API made by shedaniel that other mods use to build in-game configuration screens — toggles, sliders, dropdowns, text fields and colour pickers.
Without Cloth Config, many mods would ask you to edit a .json or .toml file by hand.
A dependency: it adds no blocks, mobs or items on its own. You install it because another mod requires it.
“Missing dependency: cloth-config” at launch means you need this mod.
A library available for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge, released for almost every Minecraft version from 1.14 through the new 26.x versions.
Cloth Config 11.1.136 for Minecraft 1.20.1 Forge.
Version matrix
Cloth Config Versions
Cloth Config's version number tells you which Minecraft it's for. Search your game version, filter by loader, and open the official file list already filtered for you.
MinecraftCloth Config ModLoaders
No match. Try a Minecraft version like 1.20.1 or a Cloth Config number like 15.0.
Cloth Config 11.0.99 & 11.0.0
11.0.99 was the first release for Minecraft 1.20/1.20.1 (June 2023). There is no 11.0.0 — use the newest 11.1.x instead.
Cloth Config 16.0.0
No 16.0.0 build exists. The 16.0.x line is for Minecraft 1.21.2–1.21.3; 16.0.143 is the latest.
Cloth Config Forge
Forge builds stop at Minecraft 1.21.3. For 1.21.4 and newer, use the NeoForge or Fabric build.
Features
Feature of Cloth Config
Every input type
Toggles, sliders, dropdowns, text and number fields, keybinds, lists and colour pickers.
Fabric, Forge & NeoForge
One library, built for all three loaders — just pick the file for yours.
1.14 to 26.x
Releases for almost every Minecraft version, including 1.20.1, 1.21.11 and 26.1.2.
Auto Config built in
Annotate a Java class and get a working settings screen plus JSON saving for free.
Mod Menu friendly
On Fabric, pair it with Mod Menu to open any mod's settings from one list.
Input validation
Supported settings can check input values and show errors before invalid changes are saved.
Organized categories
Group related options into categories so players can navigate larger settings screens more easily.
Reset to defaults
Settings screens can offer reset controls so players can restore default values while experimenting.
In everyday play
Use cases of Cloth Config
From a small quality-of-life setup to a carefully tuned modpack, Cloth Config helps supported mods present their options in a consistent settings screen. Here is how different players and creators can use it.
For players
Make mod settings easier to manage
When a mod integrates Cloth Config, you can adjust the options it exposes through controls such as toggles, sliders, and dropdowns. This makes routine changes easier to understand than editing a configuration file by hand.
For example: Change a supported mod's tooltip display or visual effect intensity, then save your preferences through its settings screen.
For modpack creators
Fine-tune a consistent playing experience
Review the settings available in each integrated mod while preparing your pack. Organized configuration screens make it easier to compare options, record your choices, and test how those changes affect your intended experience.
Try this: Adjust one option at a time in a separate test profile and keep a backup of the working configuration before distributing your pack.
For Fabric users
Open supported settings through Mod Menu
On Fabric, mods that provide the appropriate integration can expose their Cloth Config screen through Mod Menu. You can select the mod from your list and open its configuration without searching through your instance folders.
Keep in mind: Mod Menu and Cloth Config have different roles. A configuration button is available only when the individual mod implements it.
For developers
Build clear, organized configuration screens
Developers can use Cloth Config's screen-building API to group settings into categories and choose suitable controls for each value. Descriptive tooltips, input validation, and default values can help explain options and reduce accidental mistakes.
For example: Put visual options in one category and numeric limits in another, with descriptions that explain what each setting changes.
For troubleshooting
Review changes and restore supported defaults
If a mod behaves differently after a settings change, its configuration screen can help you review the affected options. Where reset controls are provided, restoring a default value offers a useful starting point for a controlled test.
A good habit: Back up your configuration first. Follow the mod's instructions when a setting requires a restart or applies only to newly created worlds.
Compatibility note: Cloth Config provides the settings interface; each mod decides which options are available. It does not add settings to every installed mod or automatically synchronize client and server configurations.
Installation
Install Cloth Config
Follow along and tick each step as you go. Works the same for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge.
0 / 5 steps complete
Download safely
Download Cloth Config Safely
Because so many mods require Cloth Config, re-uploaded versions show up on random GitHub accounts and file sites. Some contain malware. A .jar runs with full access to your computer, so only download it from the official listings.
Download Cloth ConfigCheck that this file matches your Minecraft version and mod loader before installing.
- !No credit to shedanielThe real Cloth Config is made by shedaniel. Re-uploads often skip the author entirely.
- !One file “for every version”Real builds target specific Minecraft versions. A single jar claiming 1.18–1.21 is a red flag.
- !Big claims, no history“50,000 downloads” on a repo with one star and a single release doesn't add up.
- !Unlinked reviewsFive-star testimonials with no links to where they came from.
For developers
Cloth Config for Developers
Cloth Config includes Auto Config. Annotate a plain Java class, register it once, and you get a saved JSON config plus a generated settings screen.
For full, version-specific setup, read the official documentation.
import me.shedaniel.autoconfig.ConfigData; import me.shedaniel.autoconfig.annotation.Config; import me.shedaniel.autoconfig.annotation.ConfigEntry; @Config(name = "mymod") public class MyModConfig implements ConfigData { @ConfigEntry.Gui.Tooltip public boolean showTooltips = true; @ConfigEntry.BoundedDiscrete(min = 0, max = 100) public int effectIntensity = 50; } // In your mod initializer: AutoConfig.register( MyModConfig.class, GsonConfigSerializer::new);
FAQ
Cloth Config FAQs
What is Cloth Config Mod?
clothconfigmod.com
A library by shedaniel that other Minecraft mods use to build in-game settings screens. It doesn't add gameplay content on its own.
Which Cloth Config do I need for 1.20.1 Forge?
clothconfigmod.com
Cloth Config 11.1.136 for Forge. The same version number is also available for Fabric on 1.20.1.
Is there a Cloth Config Mod for 1.21.11?
clothconfigmod.com
Yes — Cloth Config 21.11.153, available for Fabric and NeoForge. There's no Forge build for 1.21.11.
What about Cloth Config 26.1.2?
clothconfigmod.com
For Minecraft 26.1, 26.1.1 and 26.1.2, use Cloth Config 26.1.154 on Fabric or NeoForge.
Do I need Cloth Config on Fabric?
clothconfigmod.com
Only if one of your mods requires it. Cloth Config Mod Fabric builds exist for every version; many Fabric players also install Mod Menu to open settings easily.
Is Cloth Config the same as Mod Menu or Fabric API?
clothconfigmod.com
No. Cloth Config builds settings screens, Mod Menu lists your mods and opens those screens, and Fabric API provides hooks for Fabric mods. They work together but do different jobs.
Do I need to install it on my server?
clothconfigmod.com
Install it wherever the mods that depend on it are installed. If a server-side mod requires Cloth Config, add it to the server's mods folder as well.
Is Cloth Config free?
clothconfigmod.com
Yes. It's free and open source. Download it from Modrinth or CurseForge.
Download Cloth Config
Find your version, download Cloth Config from the official page, and drop it in your mods folder.