Custom Item Models
by JustS-js
Custom Item Models lets a server attach custom model data to items, so a resource pack can give them new appearances through Minecraft's custom model data component.
What it does
The mod is powered by the custom model data component, and only the server needs to run it. Clients without the mod can still use the provided functionality, and a singleplayer world works when the mod is installed on the client. Players reach the feature by renaming a name tag at an anvil with a string that goes into the minecraft:custom_model_data array, then applying the name tag to an item through a smithing table.
Armor pieces and elytras can be given the same treatment through the minecraft:equippable component, which covers helmets as well as other worn items. Compatible resource pack examples and a tutorial sit in the project's directory, and the asset id for these models always lives under the cim namespace, because of how vanilla code handles them. Only armor rendering needs that namespace, so other items should not be placed under it.
Files are published for Fabric only, for 13 game versions, with 1.0.3+26.3 for 26.3 as the latest file. The code is open source under the MIT License, and public links exist for the source and the issue tracker.
Key features
Custom model data component
Items receive a custom model data value through the minecraft:custom_model_data component, which resource packs can map to alternate models.
Name tag and smithing workflow
A name tag renamed at an anvil carries the model string, and a smithing table applies it to the target item.
Equippable armor models
Helmets, armor pieces and elytras can take custom models through the minecraft:equippable component.
Client-optional operation
Clients without the mod can still see the changes, so only the server side has to run the mod.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x5 of 5 versions with builds
1.21.x8 of 8 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
How it compares
Custom Model Data Viewer is client-side only and open source under the Apache License 2.0, with Fabric files for 1.21.4 – 26.3, so it previews models on the client rather than applying them on a server. Model Tools is open source under the Apache License 2.0 for Fabric, covers only 1.21.10 – 1.21.11, and is optional on either side, which makes it a narrower option than this mod. Cosmorph is client-side only, released under the CC0 1.0 Universal license, and limited to the same two versions.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Item Models | Fabric | 1.21.4 – 26.3 | Server-side only | 2026-09-24 |
| Custom Model Data Viewer | Fabric | 1.21.4 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-09-22 |
| Model Tools | Fabric | 1.21.10 – 1.21.11 | Client or server, optional | 2025-12-12 |
| Cosmorph | Fabric | 1.21.10 – 1.21.11 | Client-side only | 2026-03-31 |
Questions
Does Custom Item Models need to be installed on clients?
Which loaders does Custom Item Models support?
Why must custom armor assets use the cim namespace?
In the catalog
Custom Item Models is one of 12,078 Decoration mods on ModsFinder, and one of 6,982 Decoration mods for Fabric. 8,071 mods support Minecraft 26.3.
More from JustS-js
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What the author says
This modification is only needed on the server side - clients without this mod will be able to join and use all provided functionality. It also works in singleplayer if installed on client. To see compatible ResourcePack examples, navigate into tutorial directory.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/cim
- Owner
- JustS-js
- Published
- 2025-04-08
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-09-24
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15