Auto Tool Switch
by xsoras
Auto Tool Switch selects the most effective hotbar tool each time a player starts breaking a block, so mining stays uninterrupted without manual swapping.
What it does
When a block is about to be broken, the mod compares the tools in the player's hotbar using Minecraft's own breaking speed for that block, and equips the one with the highest value. Pickaxes, axes, shovels and other specialized tools are all evaluated, and the fastest option is chosen instantly. Only the nine hotbar slots are scanned, which keeps behavior predictable and avoids unnecessary inventory interaction.
The mod is client-side only, so servers run without it and players join without installing anything on the server. The selected tool is synchronized immediately with the server, so both sides stay in step. It is published for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt across 13 release versions, 1.17.1 – 26.2, and the code is covered by All rights reserved, so it is not open source. The mod stays inactive in Adventure-free peaceful modes, as tool changes there would serve no purpose.
Key features
Automatic tool selection
The hotbar tool with the highest breaking speed for the targeted block is equipped when mining begins.
Hotbar-based switching
Only the nine hotbar slots are checked, so the inventory itself is never scanned during play.
Animated status overlay
A compact notification appears after toggling the feature, showing whether Auto Tool is enabled, with a slide-in and fade-out.
Minimal gameplay impact
Tool selection runs only when a block is broken, avoiding continuous background inventory processing.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x4 of 4 versions with builds
1.21.x4 of 4 versions with builds
1.20.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.18.x3 of 3 versions with builds
1.17.x1 of 1 version with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Anyone mining with several specialized tools in the hotbar who wants the most effective one selected automatically, in Survival or Adventure worlds.
How it compares
Auto Smelt is a server-side mod with All rights reserved, published for 1.19 – 1.21.8, and it requires a server install. QuickEquip is also server-side and covers 1.20.1 – 26.1.1. Auto Third Person is a client-side mod under the MIT License for 1.20.1 – 26.3, but it is not open source and does not select tools. Auto Tool Switch, by contrast, is client-side only and works without any server installation.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Tool Switch | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.17.1 – 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-07-02 |
| Auto Smelt | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.19 – 1.21.8 | Server required, client optional | 2025-08-04 |
| QuickEquip | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.20.1 – 26.1.1 | Server required, client optional | 2026-02-15 |
| Auto Third Person | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-09-20 |
Questions
Does Auto Tool Switch need to be installed on the server?
Which loaders does Auto Tool Switch support?
Does the mod work in Creative mode?
In the catalog
Auto Tool Switch is one of 19,031 Adventure mods on ModsFinder, and one of 10,052 Adventure mods for Fabric. 13,894 mods support Minecraft 26.2.
More from xsoras
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What the author says
Auto Tool Switch is a lightweight quality-of-life mod that automatically selects the most effective tool from your hotbar whenever you begin breaking a block. Instead of manually changing between pickaxes, axes, shovels, or other specialized tools, the mod evaluates the available tools and switches to the fastest…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/ats
- Owner
- xsoras
- Published
- 2026-06-26
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-07-02
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15