Glowing Tools
by miluum
Glowing Tools gives each vanilla tool a glowing variant, made by combining a torch with a tool in the crafting grid so the tool emits light while held.
What it does
Glowing Tools lets players craft torches into tools that light the area around them. A glowing tool is made by placing a torch together with a tool in the crafting grid, and the result keeps the durability, enchantments and behavior of its vanilla counterpart. A diamond version can be taken further at a smithing table, and an existing vanilla tool can be turned into a glowing one from the inventory.
The mod suits players who work in caves and want light without carrying separate torches. Holding a glowing tool lights up the environment, and the tool still works for shields, so the offhand is not released. A torch can be placed from the inventory by sneaking and right-clicking a block, and picked back up by sneaking and right-clicking the torch with a tool. A legacy resource pack is included and prefers a subtle texture instead of the torch on the tool. Lighting is handled through LambDynamicLights, which must be installed on both sides.
Glowing Tools is open source under the Apache License 2.0. Its files target Fabric and Forge across 1.19.2 – 1.20.4, and the latest Fabric build is 1.4.2+1.20.4 for 1.20.4, published 2024-08-12. Installation covers the server and each player's game. Shader use has been tested with BSL Complementary Iris.
Key features
Glowing tool crafting
A torch combined with a tool in the crafting grid produces a glowing version of that tool.
Netherite upgrade path
A glowing diamond tool can be carried up to its netherite form at a smithing table.
Keeps vanilla behavior
Glowing tools keep the durability, enchantments and functions of their vanilla counterparts.
Torch placement and pickup
Torches can be placed from the inventory by sneaking and right-clicking, and picked up again with a tool.
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
How it compares
Fullbright+Lowfire+Lowshield is a Fabric mod for 1.21 – 26.2 that runs on the client alone, is released under the MIT License and is not open source. Netherite Torch Bow is a Forge mod for 1.20.1 that runs on client and server under the MIT License and is not open source. Glowing Tools covers 1.19.2 – 1.20.4 on both loaders, and its source is open under the Apache License 2.0.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glowing Tools | Fabric and Forge | 1.19.2 – 1.20.4 | Client and server | 2024-08-12 |
| Fullbright+Lowfire+Lowshield | Fabric | 1.21 – 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-08-22 |
| Netherite Torch Bow | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2026-06-09 |
Questions
Does Glowing Tools need LambDynamicLights?
Does the server need Glowing Tools?
Which game versions does Glowing Tools support?
In the catalog
Glowing Tools is one of 17,631 Equipment mods on ModsFinder, and one of 8,894 Equipment mods for Fabric. 13,907 mods support Minecraft 1.20.4.
Similar mods
What the author says
Adds glowing tools so you don't have to unequip your shield or use a fullbright mod to see while you're busy mining in caves! Works with shaders (tested with BSL and Complementary on Iris)! Requires LambDynamicLights / DynamicLights Reforged!
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/glowing-tools
- Owner
- miluum
- Published
- 2023-11-13
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2024-08-12
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15