How to rename items in Minecraft

An anvil renaming a torch to fire stick in Minecraft
Players can alter their item's names in many different ways with these tips (Image via Mojang)

Renaming items in the world of Minecraft is not only a delightful activity but also a pathway to infuse your gameplay with a unique touch of personalization. This feature spans from the straightforward method of renaming using an anvil, which is accessible and easy for everyone, to the more intricate and advanced customization options.

These options involve the utilization of color codes and file editing techniques, appealing to players who possess a more technical inclination and skill set. The scope of this feature is broad, catering to a diverse range of players, from those who enjoy casual gameplay to those who delight in delving into the more complex aspects of the game.

To assist players in navigating and mastering this skill, here's a detailed and comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of item renaming in Minecraft.


All you need to know about renaming items in Minecraft

Basic renaming using an anvil

youtube-cover

Here's how you can rename an item using an anvil in Minecraft:

Gather your items: First, collect the items you want to rename. These can be any items from your inventory or those you've obtained in the game.

Utilize the anvil: Place these items in an anvil, which serves as your crafting station for renaming. Anvils allow you to repair and rename items, making them a crucial tool for this process.

Input the new name: Once your items are in the anvil, you can type in the new name. Each item name can be up to 35 characters long. This flexibility allows for a wide range of creative names.

Pay the cost: Renaming items in Minecraft isn't free. It costs experience points, calculated based on the new name's character count. The cost is displayed in the anvil menu, and once paid, the renaming process will be complete.


Advanced customization: Color codes and file editing

youtube-cover

Minecraft's naming system supports color codes, enabling you to add a splash of color to item names. These codes, like "&c" for red or "&a" for green, are inserted before the name part you want to colorize.

To use color codes, place your item in the left slot of the anvil, and in the right slot, enter the name using the color codes. For instance, "&bDiamond Sword" results in a Diamond Sword with a blue name.


Steps to edit game files for permanent renaming

youtube-cover

Here's how you can edit game files for permanent renaming:

  • Download a .json editor: Before starting, ensure you have a text editor capable of editing .json files, such as Notepad++ or Coda.
  • Choose your game version: Different versions of Minecraft may require different resource packs for renaming. Choose the version you're playing and download the respective resources.
  • Locate and modify the language file: Extract the downloaded resource pack and navigate to the 'lang' folder. Here, you'll find a .json file, typically set to US-English, which you'll edit to rename items.
  • Edit: Open the .json file and search for the item/block you want to rename. Change only the name after the "=" symbol in the file. For example, changing "item.minecraft.charcoal": "Charcoal" to "item.minecraft.charcoal": "Black Gold".
  • Upload changes to the game: Open the game and navigate to Options > Resource Packs. Add your edited resource pack to the game and ensure your game language is set to English (US). Once done, the renamed items should appear with their new names in the game.

Creative applications of renaming items

Naming weapons and tools: Give your weapons and tools unique names that reflect their characteristics or the adventures you've embarked on with them.

Personalizing armor sets: Create distinct names for your armor sets, perhaps reflecting their strength, agility, or mystical powers.

Building colorful signage: Apply your renaming skills to create vibrant signs around your game world, making important locations or messages stand out.

Sharing your creations: Show off your renamed items and colorful labels when playing on servers or sharing your experiences on community forums.


By mastering these techniques, you can add a personal touch to your Minecraft world, making your gameplay even more enjoyable and unique.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now