Importing Modpacks from Files
When downloading modpacks outside built-in launcher browsers (e.g., from direct Discord links, GitHub releases, or custom builds), you will usually receive a file instead of a one-click install.
This guide series covers how to properly import these files across different launchers, depending on your account type and launcher preference.
Modpack File Formats
Section titled “Modpack File Formats”Before importing, identify the format of the file you downloaded:
.mrpack(Modrinth format): A modern, lightweight archive containing the modpack index, config files, and overrides. The launcher downloads mods directly from Modrinth servers..zip(CurseForge / MultiMC format):- CurseForge export: Contains
manifest.jsonalong with mod overrides. - MultiMC/Prism export: Contains
mmc-pack.jsonorinstance.cfg.
- CurseForge export: Contains
- Raw Folders: A manual archive containing raw
mods/,config/, and loader files (usually used for manual installation).
Choosing the Right Launcher
Section titled “Choosing the Right Launcher”Choose a tutorial based on whether you own an official Minecraft account or use an offline / non-premium profile:
Premium (Paid) Accounts
Section titled “Premium (Paid) Accounts”Launchers supporting official Microsoft authentication, fast downloads, and full ecosystem features:
| Launcher | Supported Import Formats | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Launcher | Manual installation | Official vanilla client setup |
| CurseForge | .zip (CurseForge manifests) |
CurseForge ecosystem |
| Modrinth | .mrpack |
Native Modrinth ecosystem, modern UI |
| Prism Launcher | .mrpack, .zip (CF/MMC), folders |
Advanced instances, performance, multi-platform |
| ATLauncher | .mrpack, .zip, raw archives |
Lightweight instance management |
| MultiMC | .zip (MMC exports), .mrpack |
Classic lightweight manager |
Non-Premium (Cracked) Accounts
Section titled “Non-Premium (Cracked) Accounts”Launchers that allow playing with offline authentication or custom skins without an official Microsoft license:
| Launcher | Supported Import Formats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FreesmLauncher | .mrpack, .zip |
Open-source offline Prism fork |
| Legacy Launcher | Manual / .zip |
Lightweight legacy client manager |
| TLauncher | Manual / .zip |
Popular classic offline launcher |
| SKLauncher | .zip, manual import |
Clean UI, custom offline skins |
| PollyMC | .mrpack, .zip |
Prism/MultiMC fork with offline account support |
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”Select your specific launcher from the sidebar or click on any of the links above to view the detailed step-by-step installation guide.