Profiles are a collection of properties required to launch a custom modded instance of Minecraft (Java Edition).
This includes the modloader, some configs and of course - mods!

Want to share your custom profile? You can send the file to a friend by using the Export feature and even earn money through your awesome creation by submitting it to CurseForge!

You can create profiles in CurseForge in a few different ways, which we will cover in this article.

In all cases you will need the CurseForge App.


Before we begin, we have a quick explanation about modloaders and their versions, which will come in handy as you create your own profiles. If you want to skip this explanation right to the guides, click here.


Game Types / Modloaders

Running Minecraft with mods and modpacks requires a component called a 'Modloader'. As its name suggests, the modloader loads the mods and other necessary files so they work properly in the game.

There are three options for selecting a game type/modloader when creating a new profile in the CurseForge app:

  1. Forge

    This modloader can only run Forge-compatible mods and modpacks (it cannot run Fabric content).

  2. Fabric

    This modloader can only run Fabric-compatible mods and modpacks (it cannot run Forge content). 

  3. Vanilla (no modloader)

    This is the basic version of Minecraft that doesn't run any mods or modpacks, and therefore does not require a modloader.


Modloader Versions

Forge and Fabric each have their own versions, created and released by independent developers.

When selecting a modloader, the newest version will be selected and presented by default in the 'Modloader Version' option, so you wouldn't need to select a version yourself.


If you select a 'Vanilla' game type, no modloader is required because no mods or modpacks will be running, and therefore the 'Modloader Version' option will remain empty.



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Create a Custom Profile (through the CurseForge app)

Creating custom profiles is quick and easy! All you need to do is follow these steps:


  1. Navigate to the Minecraft section in the app:



  2. Press the 'Create Custom Profile' button:


  3. Name your new profile, select a Minecraft version and modloader version:


  4. Open the 'My Modpacks' section and click on your new modpack:


  5. Click 'Add More Content':


  6. Install your preferred mods, resources packs and maps:



That's it! Now you can go ahead and press 'Play':


Download a Mod into a New Profile (through the CurseForge website)

Another option to create a profile (or add mods into an existing profile) is through the website. In this case you can search, filter and browse until you find a mod you would like to play.

This is a great way to play a single mod, or for people that prefer using the website to explore and find exciting content.


  1. Download the mod using the deeplink 'Install' button:



  2. The CurseForge app will launch and load the following screen. Here you can choose if you would like to create a new profile for the desired mod, or to add it to an existing profile. Select 'Create a new profile':


    Note - we will detect the game version and modloader type of the mod you chose for you and set the required properties for the profile creation.

  3. You will also be requested to choose a name for your creation and can even choose a custom project avatar! When you're ready, just click 'Create':


  4. If you wish to change the game's version and/or the modloader's type or version, you can click 'Advanced'. Please note:

    1. Only options that are compatible with the mod will be available for you to choose from.
    2. The 'Advanced' section is recommended for advanced users, so if you're unsure about the parameters it would be best to stick with the app's automatic selection.


  5. Your Profile will be created and the mod will be added. You can continue adding mods to the same profile in this method (coming soon), or add them through the 'Add More Content' option in the app:

Add a mod to an existing profile (through the CurseForge website)

If you want to install a mod into an existing modpack or custom profile, you can do it by following these steps:


  1. Download the mod using the deep link 'Install' button:


  2. The CurseForge app will launch and load the following screen. Here you can choose if you would like to create a new profile for the desired mod, or to add it to an existing profile:


  3. Click 'Select a profile' and choose your preferred profile/modpack:


    Please note the following:
    • If you see some of your profiles listed as incompatible, you can check the reason for the incompatibility by hovering over the question mark to the right. The tooltip you will say one of the following:
      • Incompatible Minecraft version
        Each mod file and each profile are set to run on a specific Minecraft version. If the mod you're trying to install does not match the Minecraft version of the profile you want to install it to, it means they are incompatible and you will not be able to install the mod into it.
        You will have to select a different profile or install the mod to a new one, as explained here.

        To check what game version a mod is compatible with, click the file to view its details and check the version number under 'Game Version':


        To check what game version a modpack/profile is compatible with, click the modpack/profile and check the number stated to the right of the controller icon:


      • Incompatible modloader (Forge/Fabric)
        Forge and Fabric are modloaders that allow mods to run in Minecraft. The mod and the profile must be compatible with the same modloader in order to run properly.
        You will have to select a different profile or install the mod to a new one, as explained here.

        To check what modloader a mod is compatible with, click the file to view its details and check the tags for either 'Forge' or 'Fabric':


        To check what modloader an existing modpack/profile is compatible with, click the modpack/profile and check whether it says 'Forge' or 'Fabric':


      • Incompatible modloader and Minecraft version
        Incompatible profiles, that don't match the mod's game version and modloader, cannot be selected.
        You will have to select a different profile or install the mod to a new one, as explained here.

    • If the profile you selected already contains this mod you will be notified accordingly:


      You can install the mod anyway, in which case it will override the existing one.

  4. Once you make a selection all that's left is to click 'Install':

Create a Vanilla Profile (through the CurseForge app)

"Vanilla" refers to the basic Minecraft game, running without any modloaders and mods.

For those who wish to play different versions of the Vanilla Minecraft, we have added an option to create a profile that runs the Vanilla game, plain and simple! 

Follow these steps to create your own Vanilla Profile:


  1. Click the 'Create Custom Profile' button:


  2. Under 'Game Type' select 'Vanilla':


  3. If you'd like, you can install additional content, like resource packs and maps to profile. Click the 'Add More Content' button, and then 'Install' for any content you want to add: