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April 16, 2026

Custom Model Data Tutorial: Unique 3D Items Without Mods

Master CustomModelData in Java Resource Packs to create custom weapons, hats, and tools on a single item ID.

CustomModelData is the secret behind custom item weapons, hats, and UI textures on top Minecraft servers. It allows a single item (like a Feather or Stick) to render as hundreds of different 3D models based on an integer tag!

How CustomModelData Overrides Work

In your resource pack's assets/minecraft/models/item/feather.json, you define an overrides array:

Resource pack 3D custom model item override structure
Screenshot from the matching MC Toolbox tool.
{
  "parent": "item/generated",
  "textures": { "layer0": "item/feather" },
  "overrides": [
    { "predicate": { "custom_model_data": 1001 }, "model": "custom/ruby_dagger" },
    { "predicate": { "custom_model_data": 1002 }, "model": "custom/magic_wand" }
  ]
}

Summoning the Custom Item In-Game

In Minecraft 26.x, give the item using the new custom_model_data component:

/give @p feather[custom_model_data=1001,item_name='"Ruby Dagger"']

Generate valid resource pack item JSON models with our Block & Item Model Generator!

Gio Nui

Gio Nui

I'm an independent developer and long-time Minecraft creator. Since 2011, I've been focused on building high-performance, browser-based tools for the community.

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