PackMenu Mod (1.21.1, 1.20.1) – Make Awesome Main Menu

Overview#

PackMenu provides a powerful framework for modifying the Minecraft main menu without requiring complex Java coding. By utilizing JSON files and standard resource packs, users can relocate or remove vanilla buttons, add custom buttons with unique actions, change the background to static images or animated slideshows, and replace the default Minecraft logo. This mod is a staple for modpack creators looking to provide a branded and professional first impression for their users.

File Structure and Setup#

PackMenu operates using two primary locations within the Minecraft instance directory. Configuration files determine the logic and layout, while resource packs provide the visual assets.

Directory Layout

config/packmenu/: This is the primary directory for customization logic.
- buttons/: A folder containing individual .json files for every custom button.
- background.json: Defines the menu background (image, panorama, or slideshow).
- logo.json: Defines the main title logo properties.
- packmenu.cfg: General mod settings, such as enabling/disabling specific vanilla elements.
resources/packmenu/: While assets can be placed in any resource pack, this folder is often used for modpack-specific textures like button icons and backgrounds.

Custom Buttons#

The JSON Button is the primary interface for adding menu content. Each button specifies a position, texture, and action. Buttons can also be created without actions to serve as decorative still images.

Button Schema

Key	Type	Requirement	Description
`x`	int	Mandatory	The x position of the button in pixels, adjusted against the anchor point.
`y`	int	Mandatory	The y position of the button in pixels, adjusted against the anchor point.
`width`	int	Mandatory	The width of the button in pixels.
`height`	int	Mandatory	The height of the button in pixels.
`anchor`	AnchorPoint	Optional	The anchor point for the button. Defaults to `default`.
`sprites`	WidgetSprites	Optional	The sprites for the button. Defaults to vanilla sprites.
`icon`	ButtonIcon	Optional	An optional button icon to draw.
`hover_icon`	ButtonIcon	Optional	The icon drawn when hovered. Defaults to `icon`.
`action`	ButtonAction	Mandatory	The action performed on click.
`text`	ButtonText	Optional	The text to draw on the button.
`hover_text`	ButtonText	Optional	The text to draw when hovered. Defaults to `text`.
`active`	boolean	Optional	If the button can be clicked. Defaults to `true`.
`scale_x`	float	Optional	Scale factor for x values.
`scale_y`	float	Optional	Scale factor for y values.

Anchor Points

Anchor points determine the origin (0,0) for the button's X and Y coordinates:

top_left, top_center, top_right
middle_left, center, middle_right
bottom_left, bottom_center, bottom_right

Button Actions

Action Type	Description
`packmenu:open_url`	Opens a specified URL in the user's default browser.
`packmenu:connect_to_server`	Automatically connects the player to a specific server IP.
`packmenu:quit`	Closes the Minecraft client.
`packmenu:open_gui`	Opens a specific Minecraft screen (e.g., Options, Multiplayer, Language).
`packmenu:open_folder`	Opens a local folder within the Minecraft directory.

Example: Sponsor Button

This example demonstrates a button anchored to the top right that opens a URL.

{
 "x": -150,
 "y": 0,
 "width": 150,
 "height": 20,
 "anchor": "top_right",
 "icon": {
 "texture": "packmenu:icon/akliz",
 "width": 150,
 "height": 20
 },
 "action": {
 "type": "packmenu:open_url",
 "url": "https://www.akliz.net/partners"
 },
 "text": {
 "key": "packmenu.akliz",
 "x_offset": 5
 }
}

Backgrounds#

The background.json file controls what is displayed behind the menu buttons. PackMenu supports three distinct background types.

Background Types

Image: A single static texture that covers the screen.
Panorama: A classic rotating 3D view using six cubic textures (similar to vanilla Minecraft backgrounds).
Slideshow: A sequence of images that fade into one another over a specified duration.

Slideshow Configuration

When using the slideshow type, you can define the speed and the list of textures to cycle through.

Key	Type	Description
`type`	string	Must be `"slideshow"`.
`textures`	array	A list of resource locations for the images.
`duration`	int	The time in ticks each image stays on screen.
`fade_time`	int	The time in ticks for the transition between images.

Logo Customization#

The logo.json file allows you to replace the default Minecraft title logo with a custom image. This is highly useful for modpack branding.

Logo Properties

texture: The resource location of the logo image.
x / y: The offset from the anchor point.
width / height: The dimensions of the logo in pixels.
scale: A multiplier for the logo's size.
anchor: Typically set to top_center for standard title placement.

General Configuration#

The packmenu.cfg file contains global toggles for various menu elements. This is where you can disable vanilla components to make room for your custom layout.

Configurable Options

Draw Splash Text: Toggle the yellow splash text next to the logo.
Draw Java Edition: Toggle the "Java Edition" subtitle.
Draw Forge Info: Toggle the version information in the bottom left corner.
Folder Overrides: Enable or disable the loading of custom JSONs from the config folder.

PackMenu Mod Wiki