Overview#
owo-lib is a general-purpose library and utility framework for Minecraft mods. It bundles a set of tools that mod authors reuse instead of writing from scratch, most notably a declarative UI/GUI building system, a lightweight type-safe networking layer, a config system with automatic option screens, and a range of registry, particle, item-group and data helpers.
owo-lib has no player-facing content of its own - it adds no blocks, items, mobs, or gameplay. On its own it does nothing visible in-game; it exists purely so that other mods can build on top of it. You only ever install it because another mod lists it as a required dependency.
Which Mods Need It#
Install owo-lib whenever a mod you use lists it as a dependency. If it is missing, those mods will fail to load and the game will report a missing-dependency error for the mod id owo.
- Accessories depends on owo-lib - so any mod that uses the Accessories slot framework needs owo-lib in the mods folder as well.
- Through that chain, the Aether and other accessory-using mods rely on owo-lib.
- Various other mods that use owo's UI, networking, or config systems also require it.
Because it is a shared dependency, the rule of thumb is simple: add owo-lib when a mod tells you to, and leave it out otherwise.
Developer API#
owo-lib is meant to be consumed by other mods as a dependency (mod id owo).
Adding it to a dev environment (Gradle):
repositories {
maven { url "https://maven.wispforest.io" }
}
dependencies {
// use the artifact/version that matches your Minecraft + loader
modImplementation "io.wispforest:owo-lib:<version>"
}
Declare the dependency in your mod metadata so the game enforces load order, referencing the mod id owo.
Key entry points (package root io.wispforest.owo):
- UI -
io.wispforest.owo.ui- the declarative component/layout system for building screens and HUD overlays. - Networking -
io.wispforest.owo.network(OwoNetChannel) - type-safe client/server packet channels. - Config -
io.wispforest.owo.config- annotation-driven configs with auto-generated option screens. - Registry & items - helpers such as
FieldRegistrationHandlerandOwoItemGroupfor registration and creative tabs.
Consult the upstream owo-lib documentation for full API details and current version coordinates.
FAQ & Troubleshooting#
What does owo-lib do on its own? Nothing visible - it is a library. It only matters when another mod depends on it.
A mod says it needs "owo" / owo-lib - what do I do? Add owo-lib to your mods folder alongside that mod, then launch again.
I get a missing-dependency error for owo. That means a mod needs owo-lib but it is not installed (or the wrong version). Install owo-lib so the mod can load.
Do I need owo-lib if no mod asks for it? No. It has no content, so there is no reason to install it unless a mod requires it.
Does it change my world or gameplay? No. owo-lib adds no blocks, items, or mechanics; it is safe to add or remove as your mod list requires (as long as no installed mod still depends on it).