FAQ

Is Modsmith a launcher?

No. It is a Python library for building tools. It prepares the game files, and the official launcher starts the game.

Does it sign in to Microsoft accounts?

No. It never handles accounts. The official launcher does that.

Does it need a copy of Minecraft?

It downloads game files from Mojang, as the launcher does. Players need to own the game to play it.

Do I need Java installed?

No. Modsmith uses the official launcher’s runtimes, or downloads one from Mojang. It only needs Java to install Forge and NeoForge.

Do I need a CurseForge API key?

Only to use CurseForge. Reading a CurseForge .zip works without one, but downloading its files needs a key. Modrinth needs no key.

Can I ship an API key inside my app?

Anyone can extract a key from a distributed app, so check CurseForge’s terms and choose carefully. Tools that run on your own server can keep the key private.

Why can’t Modsmith download every CurseForge mod?

Some authors do not allow third-party downloads. See Install CurseForge packs.

Can I install into .minecraft directly?

Use a separate instance folder. A sync manages every file it installs, and it would mix a pack’s files with your other games.

Can two packs share one game directory?

Yes. The game directory holds versions and libraries, which packs share. Each pack has its own instance.

Is it safe to call from several threads?

A Session can be shared between threads. Avoid running two installs that write to the same folder at once, including the same cache directory, because they can collide on the same file.

Does it work with servers?

Instance.sync accepts side="server", which installs a server’s files. Installing a loader for a server is not supported yet.

Does it work with Bedrock Edition?

No. Modsmith only works with Java Edition.

Is the API stable?

Not yet. Modsmith is in alpha, so the API may change between releases. Changelog lists what changed.