Overview#
Schematica is a powerful modification designed to assist players in building complex structures by providing a holographic "ghost" overlay of a blueprint. It functions as an in-game bridge between external editors like MCEdit and the live Minecraft environment.
The mod allows users to load .schematic files (and later .nbt files in newer versions) directly into their world. These files appear as translucent blocks that do not have physical collision but serve as a perfect guide for placement. Additionally, the mod features a robust exporting system to save existing structures from a world into a file for later use or sharing.
Controls and Interface#
Schematica is primarily operated through a series of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) accessed via hotkeys. These keys can be remapped in the standard Minecraft controls menu.
| Keybind (Default) | Function |
|---|---|
| N | Opens the main Schematica menu (Load, Save, Control). |
| Divide (NumPad /) | Opens the Control GUI for the currently loaded schematic. |
| *Multiply (NumPad )** | Opens the Load GUI to select a schematic file. |
| Minus (NumPad -) | Opens the Save GUI to select an area for export. |
The Main Menu
The main menu serves as the hub for all mod functions. From here, players can toggle the visibility of the ghost image, enable or disable the printer, and access the sub-menus for loading and saving.
Mechanics: Loading and Saving#
Loading Schematics
When the Load GUI is opened, the mod scans the /schematics/ folder within the Minecraft directory. Selecting a file will render it in the world at the player's current position.
Saving Schematics
To save a structure, the mod uses a coordinate-based selection system.
- Open the Save GUI.
- Set 'Point 1' and 'Point 2' to define the diagonal corners of the structure.
- Use the 'Red' and 'Blue' markers in the world to visually confirm the selection area.
- Enter a name and click 'Save'.
Mechanics: Manipulation and Ghost Blocks#
Once a schematic is loaded, it can be manipulated using the Control GUI.
- Movement: Schematics can be moved along the X, Y, and Z axes using the GUI buttons or by typing specific coordinates.
- Rotation: The structure can be rotated in 90-degree increments.
- Flipping: The structure can be mirrored across axes, which is useful for symmetrical builds.
Ghost Block Indicators
Schematica provides visual feedback to ensure accuracy during manual building. Ghost blocks change color based on the state of the block placed in the world:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Translucent/Normal | The block is missing and needs to be placed. |
| Red | The block placed in this position is incorrect (wrong type). |
| Blue | The block is correct but has the wrong orientation (e.g., a stair facing the wrong way). |
| Pink/Purple | An extra block exists in the world that is not part of the schematic. |
Printer Mode#
The Printer is an automated feature that places blocks from the player's inventory into the world to match the loaded schematic.
- Functionality: If the player has the required blocks in their hotbar or inventory, the mod will automatically place them in the correct ghost block positions.
- Range: The printer only works within the player's reach distance.
- Speed: The placement speed can be adjusted in the configuration file to prevent server kicks for "fast building."
- Limitations: On many multiplayer servers, the Printer mode may be considered a cheat and can be disabled server-side by the mod's safety checks or anti-cheat plugins.
Material List#
The Material List GUI provides a comprehensive breakdown of every block required to complete the loaded schematic.
- Total Count: Displays the total number of blocks needed.
- Missing Count: Displays how many blocks are still required based on what is currently placed in the world.
- Export to File: Allows the player to save the material list as a text file for easy reference outside of the game.
Commands#
Schematica includes several commands for managing schematics, particularly useful on servers or for administrative tasks.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/schematicaList [page] |
Lists all available schematics on the server (if the server-side component is installed). |
/schematicaDownload <filename> |
Downloads a schematic from the server to the client's local folder. |
/schematicaReplace <blockFrom> <blockTo> |
Replaces all instances of one block type with another within the loaded schematic. |
Configuration#
The mod's behavior can be fine-tuned through the schematica.cfg file or the in-game config menu.
- Printer Settings:
placeDelay: The delay (in ticks) between block placements. Increasing this makes the printer slower and safer for servers.timeout: The time the printer waits before retrying a failed block placement.placeDistance: The maximum distance from the player the printer will attempt to place blocks.
- Render Settings:
alpha: Adjusts the transparency of the ghost blocks (0.0 to 1.0).highlight: Toggles the color-coding for incorrect or extra blocks.renderLayer: Allows the player to render only a specific Y-level (layer-by-layer mode), which is helpful for complex floor plans.
- Server Settings:
printerEnabled: A server-side toggle to allow or disallow the use of the Printer mechanic by players.
