Add your Modded Minecraft instance to the public launcher

To make your modded Minecraft server visible to other players through a public launcher, you need to export your instance from your mod manager and register it with a launcher platform. The most common route is CurseForge, which hosts modpacks and lets players read and join servers in a few clicks. You can also use Modrinth, which works similarly but has different moderation rules and a smaller player base.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if your mods are already working locally. You'll need the mod list from your instance, a description of what your server does, and artwork (a logo or screenshot). You do not need to host the server yourself on a paid service — you only need to list it so others can find it.

Key Takeaways

  • CurseForge and Modrinth are the two platforms where players look for modpacks and servers; CurseForge has more traffic but stricter rules about which mods are allowed.
  • You export your instance as a file from your mod manager (like MultiMC, Prism Launcher, or Curseforge's own launcher), then upload that file to the platform.
  • Your listing needs a name, description, version number, and at least one screenshot or logo so players know what they are downloading.
  • Once published, players can add your modpack to their own launcher and join your server without manually installing each mod.

Export your instance from your mod manager

The first step is to save your modded instance as a file that other people can import. The exact steps depend on which mod manager you use.

If you use Prism Launcher (the most common free option), right-click your instance and select "Export Instance". Choose "Modrinth modpack" or "CurseForge modpack" depending on where you plan to publish. The launcher will create a .zip file containing all your mods, configs, and settings. Save this file somewhere you can find it — your Downloads folder works fine.

If you use MultiMC, the older launcher that Prism Launcher is based on, the process is similar: right-click the instance, select "Export Instance", and choose your target platform. If you use CurseForge's own launcher, you can export directly to CurseForge without downloading a separate file first — the launcher handles the upload for you.

If you built your instance manually by dropping mod files into a folder, you can still publish it, but you'll need to create the .zip file yourself. Compress your entire instance folder (the one containing mods, config, and other folders) into a .zip file using your operating system's built-in compression tool or a program like 7-Zip.

Create an account on CurseForge or Modrinth

Visit curseforge.com or modrinth.com and click "Sign Up". You'll need an email address and a username. Both platforms are free to use and do not charge to publish a modpack.

CurseForge requires you to agree to their terms, which include rules about which mods you can include — some mods are not allowed on CurseForge because they violate the platform's policies. Modrinth has fewer restrictions but a smaller audience. If you're unsure whether your mods are allowed, check the mod's page on the platform you choose; if it's listed there, you can use it in your modpack.

Once you're logged in, look for a button labeled "Create" or "Upload" (the exact wording varies by platform). This takes you to the form where you'll describe your modpack.

Fill in your modpack information

You'll need to provide several pieces of information before you can publish:

  • Name: The title of your modpack. Keep it short and clear — "Survival Plus" or "Magic Quest" rather than "My Cool Server v3.2.1 Updated".
  • Description: A paragraph or two explaining what your modpack does. Mention the main mods, the playstyle (survival, creative, PvP), and any special rules. Example: "A survival modpack focused on magic and exploration. Includes Thaumcraft, Botania, and Twilight Forest. Designed for 2-4 players on a private server."
  • Version number: Start with 1.0 or 1.0.0. You'll increment this if you update the modpack later (1.1, 1.2, etc.).
  • Minecraft version: The version of Minecraft your mods target — usually 1.19.2, 1.20, or 1.20.1. Check your instance settings if you're not sure.
  • Loader: The mod system you're using — usually Forge or Fabric. Your mod manager shows this in the instance settings.

Upload a logo or screenshot as your modpack's icon. This is what players see in the launcher, so choose something clear and recognizable. A 256×256 pixel image works well. You can use a screenshot from your server, a custom logo, or artwork from one of your main mods (check the mod's license first if you use their art).

Upload your instance file and publish

On the same form, you'll see a field to upload your modpack file. Click "Choose File" and select the .zip file you exported earlier. The platform will scan it to confirm all the mods are recognized and allowed.

If a mod is not recognized or not allowed, the platform will flag it. On CurseForge, you may need to remove the mod or find an approved alternative. On Modrinth, most mods are allowed, but you'll still see a warning if something is unusual. You can proceed anyway, but players may see a warning when they read.

Once the file is uploaded and verified, click "Publish" or "Create Modpack". The platform will assign it a page where players can find it. You'll receive a link to share with others — send this link to friends, post it in Minecraft communities, or share it on Discord.

Update your modpack when you change mods

If you add mods, remove mods, or change settings on your server, you'll want to push those changes to the public version so new players get the updated instance.

Export your instance again from your mod manager, then go back to your modpack's page on CurseForge or Modrinth. Look for an "Edit" or "Upload New Version" button. Upload the new .zip file and increment your version number (1.0 to 1.1, for example). Add a note describing what changed — "Added Quark mod, updated Forge to latest version", for example.

Players who already downloaded the old version will see a notification that an update is available. They can update their instance in one click from their launcher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to host the server myself, or does CurseForge host it for me?

CurseForge and Modrinth only host the modpack files, not the actual server. Players read the modpack to their own computer and then connect to your server using your server's IP address or domain. You still need to run the server yourself or rent server hosting from a provider like Aternos, Nitrado, or a dedicated host.

Can I publish the same modpack to both CurseForge and Modrinth?

Yes. Many modpack creators publish to both platforms to reach more players. You'll create separate listings on each site, but you can use the same .zip file. Just make sure your mods are allowed on both platforms before you do.

What happens if I include a mod that gets removed from the platform later?

If a mod is taken down after you publish, players who already downloaded your modpack will still have it. New players will see a warning that one of your mods is missing, but they can still read and play. You should update your modpack to remove or replace the missing mod so new players don't run into problems.

Can I make my modpack private so only certain people can read it?

CurseForge and Modrinth do not have built-in private sharing. If you want to limit access, you can share the read link only with people you trust, or you can host the .zip file yourself on a private cloud service like Google Drive and share that link instead. This keeps the modpack off the public platforms entirely.

How long does it take for my modpack to appear in search results?

Both platforms publish your modpack when ready, but it may take a few hours to appear in search results. You can share the direct link right away — people don't need to search for it to find it.