How do I undo a command in Minecraft?

To undo a command in Minecraft, especially one that modifies the game world, you primarily use the /undo command. This feature is most commonly found and utilized with world-editing plugins or mods like WorldEdit, which allows players to make large-scale changes to their builds and landscapes.

Using the `/undo` Command

When you've executed a command that alters blocks or structures in your Minecraft world—for example, replacing a large area of dirt with stone—and you realize it was a mistake, you can reverse that action using /undo. This command effectively reverts the world to its state before your last modification.

To undo your most recent action, simply type:
/undo

This command will reverse the last action you performed that altered the game world, such as placing or removing blocks.

Understanding `/redo`

The /redo command is the counterpart to /undo. If you've used /undo and then decide you actually wanted the change after all, /redo will bring that action back. It reinstates the state that was undone. For instance, if you undid a pattern of blocks, using /redo will recreate that exact same pattern.

To reapply an action that was previously undone, type:
/redo

This command is useful if you accidentally undid something or wish to restore a change after briefly reverting it.

When Can You Undo Commands?

It's important to understand that /undo functionality is not universal for all Minecraft commands.

World-Editing Plugins/Mods: The /undo and /redo commands are integral features of powerful tools like WorldEdit, which is widely used on Java Edition servers and single-player worlds for efficient building. These tools track changes made to the world.
Server Setups: Some custom servers might implement their own undo systems for specific actions.
Not All Vanilla Commands: Most default Minecraft commands (e.g., /give, /teleport, /kill) do not have a built-in undo feature. Their effects are immediate and generally irreversible through a simple /undo command. The undo functionality is specifically for actions that modify the game world's blocks and structures.

Practical Examples of Using Undo/Redo

Imagine you're building in Minecraft with WorldEdit enabled:

Accidental Replacement: You select a large area and intend to fill it with grass, but accidentally type //set lava. Suddenly, your beautiful field is a fiery pit!
Using /undo: You immediately open the chat and type */undo*. The lava disappears, and your field returns to its previous state.
Reverting an Undo: Later, you realize that lava might have actually been a cool design element for a volcanic build. You can then type */redo*, and the lava returns, exactly as it was before you undid it.

Important Considerations

Scope: /undo primarily affects block changes and world modifications. It won't undo giving yourself an item or changing a game rule.
History Limit: Most undo systems have a limited history. You can usually undo a certain number of your most recent actions, but not everything you've ever done.
Server Permissions: To use commands like /undo and /redo on a multiplayer server, you typically need the appropriate operator (op) status or specific plugin permissions.

Command Summary Table

Here's a quick reference for the commands:

Command	Description	Example Use Case
`/undo`	Reverses the last action that modified the world (e.g., block changes, structural alterations).	After accidentally replacing a large section of a building with air.
`/redo`	Reverses the last `/undo` action, restoring the world state before the undo occurred.	If you undid something by mistake and want to bring that change back.

Utilizing /undo and /redo is an essential skill for efficient and error-free building in Minecraft, especially when working with extensive world-editing tools.