Improved Map Colors
by gamma-02
Improved Map Colors changes the palette that Minecraft uses when it draws maps, and it does so through a data-driven set of color files rather than code changes.
What it does
The project was created to make Minecraft maps more customizable through datapacks, and it ships several preset color schemes, including sepia tones, grayscale and inverted colors. Presets are loaded from a color list, so a world can switch its map look without any code being rewritten.
Two kinds of file drive the mod. A color list defines the palette, with up to 63 colors keyed by number, each entry given as a hexadecimal color code. A block state list then assigns a color ID to a block state, written as a block ID with optional state information in the same name=value form that vanilla uses. Where a state is written loosely, the mod makes a guess at the intended match, so exact spelling matters. Files are configured through the mod's config fields.
Installation needs Architectury API, Fabric API or Forge Config API Port, depending on the loader. Optional extras are listed on the mod page. Improved Map Colors is open source under the MIT License, and both the client and the server need it, so a server and every player run the same palette.
Key features
Preset color schemes
Built-in options cover sepia tones, grayscale and inverted colors, selectable without writing a file.
Custom color palettes
A color list JSON file sets up to 63 colors, each with an ID from 0 to 63 and a hex color code.
Block state colors
A block state file assigns a color ID to a block or block state, controlling how that block appears on a map.
CSV input
Colors and block states can also be listed in CSV files, using a hex color column and an optional ID column.
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 3
Optional 1
Use cases
Who it’s for: Datapack authors and server owners who want to change the colors that appear on Minecraft maps, without editing the game's code.
How it compares
TreasureMarker is a NeoForge mod for 1.21 – 1.21.8, client-side only, under the MIT License, so it does not change map colors on a server. Improved Maps is a Fabric mod for 1.21.5 – 26.3, server required with the client optional, also under the MIT License. Improved Map Colors covers Fabric, NeoForge and Quilt for 1.21.2 – 1.21.8, and needs both sides to run.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improved Map Colors | Fabric, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21.2 – 1.21.8 | Client and server | 2025-09-29 |
| TreasureMarker | NeoForge | 1.21 – 1.21.8 | Client-side only | 2025-09-07 |
| Improved Maps | Fabric | 1.21.5 – 26.3 | Server required, client optional | 2026-10-01 |
Questions
Does Improved Map Colors need Fabric API?
Must the mod be installed on the server as well as the client?
Which game versions does the mod support?
In the catalog
Improved Map Colors is one of 29,952 Game mechanics mods on ModsFinder, and one of 19,630 Game mechanics mods for Fabric. 17,695 mods support Minecraft 1.21.8.
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What the author says
There are also several pre-configured options for Minecraft map colors, including sepia tones, grayscale, and inverted colors. colorlist, as the name and description suggest, allows you to modify the color palette Minecraft uses. This is set to vanilla by default, to illustrate the format that the mod expects, which…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/improved-map-colors
- Owner
- gamma-02
- Published
- 2025-09-11
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-09-29
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15