How to Convert JAR to MCADDON: A Step-by-Step Guide

Minecraft enthusiasts often come across various mods and add-ons that enhance their gaming experience. When downloading mods, you might encounter files with the .jar extension, while others might have the .mcaddon extension. If you're wondering how to convert a .jar file to a .mcaddon file, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll walk you through the process of converting JAR to MCADDON, ensuring that the method is verified and safe.

Understanding JAR and MCADDON Files

• JAR (Java ARchive) Files: These are archive files used for storing and distributing Java classes, libraries, and other files. In the context of Minecraft, JAR files often contain mod code that needs to be manually installed into the game's mods directory.
• MCADDON Files: These are specifically designed for Minecraft Bedrock Edition. An MCADDON file is essentially a ZIP archive that contains files and folders structured in a way that Minecraft's Bedrock Edition can easily read and apply mods or add-ons.

Why Convert JAR to MCADDON?

Converting JAR to MCADDON is necessary if you want to use mods created for Java Edition in Bedrock Edition or if you prefer to use the Minecraft Bedrock add-on structure for easier management of mods.

The Conversion Process

Step 3: Create the .MCADDON File

Once you have built your behavior pack (folder containing manifest.json, pack_icon.png, etc.) and resource pack:

1. Zip each pack separately (not the containing folder, but the contents).
2. Rename the zip files:
   • Behavior pack: YourPackName_BP.zip → rename to .mcpack
   • Resource pack: YourPackName_RP.zip → rename to .mcpack
3. Create the .mcaddon:
   • Place both .mcpack files into a new folder.
   • Zip that folder.
   • Rename the resulting .zip to YourAddon.mcaddon.

Now double-clicking .mcaddon will import both packs into Minecraft Bedrock.

Step 4 – Build your Resource Pack folder

Example:

MyMod_RP/
  manifest.json
  pack_icon.png
  textures/
    items/
      my_item.png
    blocks/
      my_block.png
  texts/
    en_US.lang
  sounds.json

Manifest.json example (Resource Pack):

  "format_version": 2,
  "header": 
    "name": "My Mod - Resources",
    "description": "Resources for converted mod",
    "uuid": "<unique UUID, different from BP>",
    "version": [1, 0, 0],
    "min_engine_version": [1, 20, 0]
  ,
  "modules": [
"type": "resources",
      "uuid": "<another new UUID>",
      "version": [1, 0, 0]
]

Step 3: The Folder Ritual (Manual Assembly)

Create two folders next to each other:

MyEpicMod_BP   (Behavior Pack)
MyEpicMod_RP   (Resource Pack)

Inside _RP (Resources):

• textures/ → Paste your Java textures.
• manifest.json → Create this (see Step 4).
• sounds.json → Re-map Java .ogg files.

Inside _BP (Behaviors):

• items/ → Converted Java item JSONs.
• entities/ → Re-written entity behaviors.
• scripts/ → (Optional) If you are a god, write JavaScript here to mimic Java logic.

Part 5: Advanced Tips – Getting "Verified" Status on Marketplaces

Once you have learned how to convert JAR to MCADDON verified for your own use, you might want to share it on sites like MCPEDL or CurseForge. To be "verified" by these communities:

1. Add an icon.png (128x128 pixels) to the root of both the resource and behavior packs. Without this, your addon looks unprofessional.
2. Include a pack_icon.png (Same size, different name for legacy support).
3. Sign your .mcaddon using the official mcpe-pack-manager tool (requires an Xbox developer account). This removes the "Unknown Pack" warning.
4. Write a sounds.json if you ported custom sounds—Bedrock does not auto-detect sounds like Java does.

B. Using purely JSON components (no scripting)

• For simple blocks, items, recipes, loot tables, biomes, etc.
• Use vanilla‑like component files.

You cannot copy any Java code. You must redesign the feature set for Bedrock.

Method 1: Using a File Renamer (Simple but Limited)

Some Minecraft modders have found that simply renaming the .jar file to .mcaddon works, especially if the mod was designed to be compatible with both Java and Bedrock editions. However, this method is not universally applicable and might not work for all mods.

1. Locate Your JAR File: Find the .jar file you wish to convert.
2. Rename the File: Right-click on the file, select "Rename," and change the extension from .jar to .mcaddon.

How to Convert JAR to MCADDON Verified: The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Minecraft Bedrock

Introduction: The End of the .JAR Era

For over a decade, Minecraft Java Edition mods ruled the modding scene with the .jar file extension. However, with the explosive growth of Minecraft Bedrock Edition (on mobile, console, and Windows 10/11), the demand for cross-platform compatibility has skyrocketed. The modern standard for Bedrock addons is the .mcaddon file.

If you have an old .jar mod (designed for Java) and want to use it on your iPhone, iPad, Xbox, or standard Windows 10/11 version, you cannot simply rename the file. You must convert it.

This guide will walk you exactly how to convert JAR to MCADDON verified, ensuring the file is signed, functional, and recognized by the Minecraft Bedrock marketplace filters.

Note: A "verified" .mcaddon does not mean "approved by Mojang." In the modding community, "verified" means the file structure follows the strict manifest format, has valid UUIDs, and will not trigger the "Import Failed" error in Minecraft.

Step 7 – Tools to help conversion

• bridge. – visual add‑on editor.
• Blockbench – for Bedrock models.
• Minecraft Creator (official app for Windows).
• JavaScript Gametest documentation on Microsoft Learn.