GBLib
GBLib is a Fabric library for building in-game guidebooks, with titled books, wrapped text pages and data-driven book files.
What it does
Guidebook content is written as JSON files placed under assets, gamedata and guidebooks, so a mod can ship a book without writing its own screen code. Each book carries a title and author metadata, and its pages wrap text automatically. Books can be reloaded through resource packs, and custom textures are supported for pages and frames. The library is built to add a book system that matches the look of the default Minecraft interface.
The library is described as lightweight, with little overhead, and modular, so a mod uses only the parts it needs. Developers can add their own page types, renderers and UI elements, and behavior stays stable across reloads and sessions. GBLib is a dependency for other mods: it is added to fabric.mod.json, the same way other library mods are included. Files are published for Fabric only, for Minecraft 1.20.2, and the environment is client and server, so both the server and every player need it.
Key features
Data-driven books
Guidebooks are defined by JSON files, so content can be added or changed without writing new screen code.
Nine-slice rendering
Frames and backgrounds use nine-slice rendering, keeping corners crisp at any size.
Adjustable page size
The default page size is 185 by 144 pixels, and the size can be changed for a book's layout.
Custom page types
Developers can add their own page types, renderers and UI elements to the book system.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Mod documentation
A mod can include an in-game guide for its items and machines instead of building a custom interface.
Who it’s for: Mod developers who want an in-game guidebook system with a ready API, and modpack authors who need a documentation book for a set of mods.
How it compares
Domix's Guidebook is a Fabric mod for 1.21.1 under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only, and it is open source. Lavender is open source under the MIT License and covers Fabric and Quilt for 1.20 – 1.21.4. Modonomicon covers Fabric, Forge and NeoForge for 1.18.2 – 26.3 and is not open source. GBLib is for Fabric 1.20.2 only and is not open source, under All rights reserved.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBLib | Fabric | 1.20.2 | Client and server | 2026-06-22 |
| Domix's Guidebook | Fabric | 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-04-05 |
| Lavender | Fabric and Quilt | 1.20 – 1.21.4 | Client and server | 2025-01-20 |
| Modonomicon | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.18.2 – 26.3 | Client and server | 2026-10-13 |
Questions
Does GBLib need Fabric API?
Does GBLib have to be installed on the server?
Which game version does GBLib support?
Can GBLib be extended with new page types?
In the catalog
GBLib is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,348 Library mods for Fabric. 12,076 mods support Minecraft 1.20.2.
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What the author says
GBLib is a lightweight, data‑driven guidebook framework for Fabric mods on Minecraft 1.20.2. It provides a clean API for creating in‑game documentation, tutorials, manuals, codices, and mod guides — all without writing a single line of GUI code. Whether you’re building a small utility mod or a full content expansion…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/gblib
- Owner
- Zurtrutium Modding
- Published
- 2026-06-21
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-06-22
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15