How do I add Fabric API to my mods folder?

To add Fabric API to your mods folder, you need to first ensure you have the Fabric loader installed and launched at least once. Then, download the Fabric API mod file and place it directly into your Minecraft mods folder.

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How to Add Fabric API to Your Mods Folder

Integrating Fabric API is a straightforward process crucial for running many Fabric-based mods. It acts as a core library that other mods depend on, providing common functionalities.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric Installation

Before adding Fabric API, it's essential to have your Fabric loader set up correctly:

1. Install Fabric Loader: If you haven't already, download and install the Fabric Loader for your desired Minecraft version. You can find the official installer on the FabricMC website.
2. Launch Minecraft Once: After installing the Fabric Loader, launch Minecraft with the Fabric profile selected at least once. This crucial step generates all the necessary folders and files, including the mods folder, within your Minecraft directory.

Step 2: Download Fabric API

Next, you need to acquire the Fabric API mod file:

1. Visit CurseForge: Navigate to the official Fabric API page on CurseForge.
2. Select the Correct Version:
   • Click on the "Files" tab.
   • Locate the file corresponding to your specific Minecraft version (e.g., "1.20.1", "1.19.2").
   • Ensure you download the "Main File" version, as indicated by its file type (usually Release).
3. Download: Click the download button next to the appropriate file. This will download a .jar file (e.g., fabric-api-0.90.0+1.20.1.jar).

Step 3: Locate Your Mods Folder

The mods folder is located inside your Minecraft Data Folder, commonly known as the .minecraft folder. The location of this folder varies slightly depending on your operating system:

Common .minecraft Folder Locations:

Operating System	Path
Windows	%appdata%\.minecraft
macOS	~/Library/Application Support/minecraft
Linux	~/.minecraft

To quickly access your .minecraft folder:

• From Minecraft Launcher:
  1. Open the Minecraft Launcher.
  2. Go to the "Installations" tab.
  3. Hover over your Fabric installation.
  4. Click the small folder icon that appears next to the "Play" button. This will open your .minecraft folder directly.
• Manual Navigation:
  • Windows: Press Win + R, type %appdata% and press Enter. Then open the .minecraft folder.
  • macOS: Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, type ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft and press Enter.
  • Linux: Open your file manager and navigate to your home directory, then look for .minecraft (you might need to enable "show hidden files").

Once inside the .minecraft folder, you should see a subfolder named mods. If you don't see a mods folder after launching Fabric once, simply create a new folder and name it mods.

Step 4: Add Fabric API to the Mods Folder

Finally, place the downloaded Fabric API file into your mods folder:

1. Open the mods folder: Navigate into the mods folder within your .minecraft directory.
2. Drag and Drop: Take the Fabric API .jar file you downloaded from CurseForge and drag it directly into this mods folder. Do not extract the file; leave it as a .jar.

Step 5: Launch Minecraft

With Fabric API now in your mods folder, you can launch Minecraft:

1. Open Minecraft Launcher.
2. Select Fabric Profile: Ensure your Fabric installation profile is selected.
3. Click Play: Start the game.

Fabric API will now be loaded, allowing other Fabric mods that depend on it to function correctly. You won't typically see a direct indication of Fabric API itself in your mod list, as it's a foundational library, but its presence is crucial for compatible mods.

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