Data Driven GUIs
Data Driven GUIs lets a Fabric mod define menus in XML and buttons in JSON, so developers can build screens without writing rendering code by hand.
What it does
Screens are written as XML files that describe their layout, much like a web page, and their buttons are tied to actions declared in JSON. The Java API lets other mods extend the same system, so a mod can add its own actions or widgets. Built-in widgets cover common elements, and the rendering of each screen is handled by the library rather than by the author of the screen.
The library is aimed at making custom interfaces easier to produce, and it works with resource packs, so a pack can supply new screens without changing any code. Data Driven GUIs can modify existing screens or create new ones, although it does not allow changes to the default Minecraft GUIs. Players and server owners only need the mod installed where the interfaces are used, and Fabric API must be present alongside it.
Key features
XML-based screens
Each screen is described in an XML file that sets out its elements and how they are arranged.
JSON-based actions
Buttons trigger actions defined in JSON files, so behavior can be changed without recompiling.
Built-in widgets
A set of ready-made widgets can be placed in a screen without writing code for each one.
Java API for extensions
Other mods can call the API to register new actions and build on the functionality of the library.
Resource pack support
Screens and actions can be supplied through resource packs, letting packs add interfaces alone.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Use cases
Who it’s for: Mod developers who want to build interfaces from data files, and modpack or resource pack authors who need custom screens without programming them. Players only need it when a screen they use depends on it.
How it compares
Datapack UIs is server-side only, released under the MIT License, and built for 1.21.4 – 1.21.5, so it does not need to be installed on clients. Guithium is also open source under the MIT License, but it is for 1.21.5 only and runs with the server required and the client optional. Data Driven GUIs is client and server, on Fabric for 1.21 – 1.21.5.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Driven GUIs | Fabric | 1.21 – 1.21.5 | Client and server | 2025-04-25 |
| Datapack UIs | Fabric | 1.21.4 – 1.21.5 | Server-side only | 2025-03-26 |
| Guithium | Fabric | 1.21.5 | Server required, client optional | 2025-05-26 |
Questions
Does Data Driven GUIs need Fabric API?
Do servers and players both need the mod?
Can the mod change the default Minecraft screens?
Which game versions does it support?
In the catalog
Data Driven GUIs is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,348 Library mods for Fabric. 15,307 mods support Minecraft 1.21.5.
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What the author says
A library to make making GUIs easier using xml & json files. This mod mainly aims to make making GUIs as painless as possible, but with this it also allows resource packs to modify GUIs or even create new ones. The mod however doesn't allow the modification of the default GUIs in Minecraft.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/ddg
- Owner
- TheClashFruit
- Published
- 2025-04-06
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-04-25
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15