Tech riderRev. 27 Sept 2026

Refract

Ch 028.6of 74 Minecraft Launchers

1Runs onWindows, Mac, Linux
2CostsFree plan
3Separate instancesYes
4Modpack importboth
5Mod loader supportmultiple
6Java runtime managementYes
7Built-in modpack catalogYes
8Automatic updatesYes

8 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: github.com, refractmc.net

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Overview

Refract is a free launcher for organizing Minecraft modpacks on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, with a built-in catalog for finding compatible content. Multiple mod loaders are supported, and modpack import is available through both listed methods. Each pack runs in a separate instance, with its mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options kept apart. The launcher can install dependencies, update individual mods in place, manage Java runtimes, and apply automatic updates; worlds are preserved during updates. Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or damaging saves. Users can choose themes, accent colors, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behavior. Refract is licensed under GNU GPL v3.0, and its application and website are developed in public. The project uses Tauri and Rust for its native shell. Discord supports player help and project discussions, while GitHub is used for bug reports, change proposals, and code contributions.

Who it is for

Refract suits Minecraft players who want to organize separate modpack instances and browse compatible content in a launcher. It also fits users who want to import existing libraries or adjust Java, memory, and launch settings.

What is good

Free software under GNU GPL v3.0
Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
Keeps each modpack in its own instance
Preserves worlds during updates
Manages Java runtimes and mod updates

What to know first

No price amount is listed
Requires separate support channels for community help

Verdict

Refract combines modpack discovery, instance separation, and update tools across three desktop platforms. Its free software license and configurable runtime options make it a defined choice for players managing multiple packs.

Refract plans and pricing

All plans

Free software Free refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026

Compared on Minecraft launchers

Free plan: Yesgithub.com
Separate instances: Yesgithub.com
Modpack import: bothgithub.com
Mod loader support: multiplegithub.com
Java runtime management: Yesgithub.com
Built-in modpack catalog: Yesgithub.com
Automatic updates: Yesgithub.com

Facts

Free Software: Refract is free software.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Open Source License: Licensed under GNU GPL v3.0.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Public Development: The application and website are developed in public.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Modpack Sources: Supports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Instance Isolation: Each modpack is kept in its own clean instance.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
World Preservation: Worlds are preserved during updates.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Mod Discovery: Users can browse compatible content inside the launcher.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Dependency Installation: The launcher can install mod dependencies.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Mod Updates: Individual mods can be updated in place.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Instance Components: Instances separate mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Library Import: Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or breaking saves.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Customization Options: Users can choose themes, accent colors, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behavior.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Technology Stack: Uses Tauri and Rust for a small native shell.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Discord Support: Discord provides player discussion, help, and project discussions.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
GitHub Contributions: GitHub is used for bug reports, change proposals, and code contributions.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Community Discussions: Discussions support ideas and questions needing more room.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026
Copyright Holder: Copyright is attributed to Refract contributors in 2026.refractmc.net · 27 Sept 2026