Fabric API
by FabricMC
The core API module for Fabric mods providing essential hooks and utilities required by nearly all Fabric mods.
Overview
Fabric API is a library mod created by FabricMC. The core API module for Fabric mods providing essential hooks and utilities required by nearly all Fabric mods. As a library mod it concentrates on shared code that other mods build on, and it has been downloaded around 500 million times, which puts it among the options players reach for in this space.
Fabric API is built for every Fabric player, as the core library most Fabric mods depend on. It provides the hooks and interoperability layer that Fabric mods build against, making it the single most common Fabric dependency. It is approachable enough to drop into a world and use right away, with little setup required.
The mod is available for Fabric and Quilt, so it fits a range of modpacks and launchers. It currently supports Minecraft 1.20.1, 1.20.4, and 1.21.1, spanning the 1.20.1 to 1.21.1 releases. It runs on both the client and the server, so on a multiplayer server every player who connects needs it installed alongside the server itself.
Mod Loaders
Minecraft Versions
Key Features
Fabric API brings a focused set of features to the table. Highlights include event callbacks and hooks, plus rendering and resource apis, with the full list below.
- Event callbacks and hooks
- Rendering and resource APIs
- Networking and registry tools
- Biome and world gen APIs
- Essential for most Fabric mods
Tags
How to install Fabric API
Fabric API supports Fabric and Quilt; pick one loader (you cannot mix them) and install it for your chosen Minecraft version. It is built for Minecraft 1.20.1, 1.20.4, and 1.21.1, so make sure your profile uses one of those versions.
- 1Choose and install one mod loader from Fabric and Quilt for a Minecraft version this mod supports (1.20.1, 1.20.4, and 1.21.1).
- 2Check the download page for any required libraries. Fabric API lists no hard dependencies here, but it is always worth confirming for your exact version.
- 3Drop the Fabric API .jar file into your instance's mods folder. On a server, place it in the server's mods folder instead, and make sure every connecting player has it too.
- 4Launch the game with that loader profile and confirm Fabric API appears in the in-game mods list; if it does not load, re-check the loader, the Minecraft version, and any library requirements.
Supported Minecraft versions: 1.20.1, 1.20.4, and 1.21.1. Always download the build that matches your version exactly, as mod files are version-specific.
See our full mod install guideCompatibility & alternatives
It targets the Fabric side of the ecosystem, so it pairs naturally with other Fabric mods and performance tools.
As a library mod, Fabric API adds no content of its own and has a negligible footprint, it exists to support the mods that depend on it.
If you are comparing options, a similar mod worth a look is Quilt Standard Libraries (on Quilt). They overlap in purpose, so most players pick whichever suits their loader and pack.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Fabric API mod do?
The core API module for Fabric mods providing essential hooks and utilities required by nearly all Fabric mods. It is a library mod by FabricMC, aimed at every Fabric player, as the core library most Fabric mods depend on.
Is Fabric API Forge or Fabric?
Fabric API supports Fabric and Quilt. You only install it on one of these loaders, never several at once, so choose the one your pack uses.
What Minecraft versions does Fabric API support?
Fabric API supports Minecraft 1.20.1, 1.20.4, and 1.21.1. Be sure to download the file built for your specific version, since mod jars are not interchangeable across versions.
Does Fabric API need any dependencies?
No, Fabric API lists no required mod dependencies here, so it works as a standalone install. It is still wise to confirm on the download page for your exact version.
Can I use Fabric API on a multiplayer server?
Yes. Fabric API runs on client and server, so install it on the server and make sure every player who joins has the same version installed too.
Do all Fabric mods need Fabric API?
Most do, but not every one. Many mods rely on Fabric API's hooks, so it is standard to install it, but some lightweight mods declare no dependency on it.
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