LinearReader
by Bugfunbug
LinearReader is a server-side optimization mod that reduces the disk footprint of a Minecraft world by converting region files to the Linear format.
What it does
Worlds are stored as region files, and LinearReader replaces the vanilla Anvil format with Xymb's Linear Region File Format, which compresses chunk data with Zstd instead of the Zlib algorithm used by vanilla. The conversion is meant to make a world take up less space without changing how gameplay works. Work is split into two stages: live writes use low-level Zstd compression levels so the CPU keeps resources for the game, and during idle periods on the server the mod recompresses region files with much deeper compression.
The mod includes a backup system that creates backups of region files automatically, a cache whose size is configurable for how many recently used region files stay in memory, and a chunk pruning system that searches for empty chunks and removes them safely. An adaptive runtime policy adjusts certain settings so the game keeps running. LinearReader also works in singleplayer, where the player has access to the same features that server admins have. Fabric API is required on every loader it supports, and the mod is released under the MIT License and is open source.
Key features
Linear region files
Converts Anvil region files to the Linear format, using Zstd compression in place of vanilla Zlib.
Two-stage compression
Fast Zstd levels run during live writes, and a deeper Zstd 22 recompression runs when the server is idle.
Automatic backups
Region files are backed up automatically, so a copy exists before the world is changed by the compressor.
Chunk pruning
Empty and worthless chunks are located and removed with a safety check before any data is dropped.
Configurable region cache
The number of recently used region files kept in memory is set in the config, trading memory for read speed.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x5 of 5 versions with builds
1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds
1.20.x7 of 7 versions with builds
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
ZSTD Compresser is a client-side only mod under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 only, open source, with files for 1.20.1 – 1.21.1. Enhanced Packet Compression is open source under the MIT License, for Fabric and NeoForge with versions 1.0 – 1.21.1, and can run on either side. Backup Always Right is a server-side only mod under the MIT License, open source, for Fabric with versions 1.21.1 – 26.2. LinearReader works on the server alone under the MIT License and targets 1.20 – 26.3.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LinearReader | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.20 – 26.3 | Server-side only | 2026-09-17 |
| ZSTD Compresser | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client-side only | 2026-05-30 |
| Enhanced Packet Compression | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.0 – 1.21.1 | Client or server, optional | 2024-09-17 |
| Backup Always Right | Fabric | 1.21.1 – 26.2 | Server-side only | 2026-07-26 |
Questions
Does LinearReader need Fabric API?
Do players need to install LinearReader?
Can a world be converted back to the vanilla format?
In the catalog
LinearReader is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,575 Optimization mods for Fabric. 8,071 mods support Minecraft 26.3.
Similar mods
What the author says
LinearReader is a server-side Minecraft mod that reduces your world size without negatively impacting gameplay. This is done mainly through using Xymb's Linear Region File Format in place of Minecraft's Anvil file format, and through utilizing Zstd for compression instead of the Zlib compression algorithm used by…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/linearreader
- Owner
- Bugfunbug
- Published
- 2026-03-24
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-09-17
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15