CinematicTools
With CinematicTools, a Fabric user can script camera paths, NPC actors and scene timing for machinima, trailers and cutscenes inside Minecraft.
What it does
CinematicTools is a port of the CMDCam mod for Fabric, extended with new features. Its built-in NPC system and dynamic skin loading let a scene use characters that are not players, and a command-based interface drives the whole sequence. Camera paths are smooth, so a filmed shot can follow a planned route rather than a fixed angle.
The mod is aimed at creators who record machinima films, cinematic trailers and intros, as well as in-game cutscenes with scripted story events. Scene prototyping is a common use on creator and adventure maps, and it supports more complex scenes than the original CMDCam. Both client and server need the mod, and it is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only, so the project is open source.
Files target 1.20.1, 1.20.4 and 1.21.1, with the latest build, v1.3.0+1.21.1, published on 2026-04-08 for 1.21.1. The first release came out on 2025-05-25.
Key features
Camera paths
Smooth camera paths let a recording follow a planned route through a scene.
Built-in NPC system
Non-player characters can be placed and directed as actors within a cinematic sequence.
Dynamic skin loading
Character skins load at runtime, so characters can take on different looks in the same scene.
Command-based control
Scenes are scripted and triggered through commands, giving precise control over timing and actions.
Scripted scenes
Cutscenes and story events can be built as ordered scripts, from simple sequences to more complex scenes.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: The mod suits creators who make machinima, trailers and cutscenes, map makers building scripted adventures, and developers who want a command-driven way to stage scenes on Fabric.
How it compares
CMDCam Fabric is the original base of this port. It is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1 only, runs for 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 and needs the client, while the server may skip it. CinematicVideo is a client and server mod under the Apache License 2.0 for 1.20.1, and it is not open source. Mannequin covers 1.21.8 – 1.21.11 with All rights reserved terms. NPC Studio is client-side only, covering 1.8.9 – 1.21.11 on Fabric and Forge.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CinematicTools | Fabric | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-04-08 |
| CMDCam Fabric | Fabric | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client required, server optional | 2025-06-13 |
| CinematicVideo | Fabric | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2025-08-26 |
| Mannequin | Fabric | 1.21.8 – 1.21.11 | Client and server | 2026-06-08 |
| NPC Studio | Fabric and Forge | 1.8.9 – 1.21.11 | Client-side only | 2026-08-15 |
Questions
Does CinematicTools need to be installed on the server?
Which game versions does CinematicTools support?
How does CinematicTools relate to CMDCam?
In the catalog
CinematicTools is one of 36,990 Utility mods on ModsFinder, and one of 25,772 Utility mods for Fabric. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
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What the author says
CinematicTools is a modern Fabric mod designed for creators, filmmakers, and developers who want to bring immersive cinematics to Minecraft. It is based on the legendary CMDCam mod, faithfully ported to Fabric and expanded with new features to support more complex scenes.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/cinematictools
- Owner
- superstrellaa
- Published
- 2025-05-25
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-04-08
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15