Snowstorm

Overview

Snowstorm is a focused editor for Minecraft Bedrock particle files, with a browser-based editor and a Visual Studio Code extension. It is best suited to creators making particle effects for resource packs, not to people looking for a full add-on authoring suite. Its presets and free access make it a practical specialist tool, with the extension’s filename requirement worth factoring into an existing workflow.

Key features

Snowstorm edits particle files for use in Minecraft Bedrock resource packs and experiences. Its Quick Setup tab provides preset motions and appearances, giving newcomers a concrete starting point and helping experienced creators get an effect underway. The trade-off is a deliberately narrow remit: Snowstorm has no custom entity tools or scripting support, so creators who need those capabilities will need other tools in their workflow.

The web app is paired with a Visual Studio Code extension for editing particle files. That option suits creators already working in VS Code, but it requires files to be named *.particle.json, which may mean adapting an existing project’s naming conventions. The project is GPL-3.0 licensed, and its web app can be hosted locally using a preferred local server. Snowstorm is an independent project, not a Mojang or Microsoft offering.

Pricing

Snowstorm offers a free version at free, and a free version will always be available to those in need. That makes it a straightforward fit for creators who want to work on particle files without a paid entry point. The FAQ also mentions subscription plans for users seeking to support the network and get maximum performance and features, but those plans have custom pricing.

Platforms

The particle editor is available on the web. Snowstorm is also described as available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, and as a Visual Studio Code extension. The web app can be hosted locally, which gives developers another way to run it. The extension’s *.particle.json requirement applies when using that route.

Who it's for

Snowstorm is a good fit for Minecraft Bedrock creators whose work specifically involves particle effects, especially those who value a preset-led start, a free tool or a browser-based editor. It is less suitable as a one-stop add-on workspace: users who need custom entity tools or scripting support should look for a broader editor.

Pros and cons

Pro: Quick Setup presets offer motions and appearances, giving particle creators a useful starting point.

Pro: A free version and a web app that can be hosted locally provide flexible ways to use the editor.

Con: The tool is limited to particle editing; it does not include custom entity tools or scripting support.

Con: The VS Code extension requires the *.particle.json filename format, which may complicate use in projects with different naming conventions.

Alternatives

For a broader Minecraft add-on toolset, start with the Minecraft Add-on Editors list. Minecraft Launcher is free to download, though access to games requires ownership or a time-limited demo; choose it for launching Minecraft rather than editing particle files. Blockbench is free for any type of project and runs on web and desktop platforms as well as Android and iOS, making it the better fit for work that extends beyond particles.

Visual Studio Code is a free general-purpose editor for Linux, macOS, web and Windows; it is a reasonable alternative for users who want an editor beyond Snowstorm’s particle-specific workflow. bridge. is another free option that runs across mobile, desktop and web platforms. JsonForge is a free, open-source web and Electron app for users seeking a general JSON tool. For another VS Code extension focused on Bedrock development, Bedrocken is free and requires VS Code ^1.87.0; Blockception Minecraft Bedrock Development is also free and targets Minecraft Bedrock Addons and Minecraft Education Edition. On mobile, Addons Maker for Minecraft PE offers core editors, templates and export in an ad-supported free plan, with a paid MAM Premium plan for users who want its subscription tier.

Verdict

Choose Snowstorm if your Minecraft Bedrock work centers on particle effects and you want presets, a free version and a web-based editor. Its specialist focus is its main advantage, but also its clear boundary: creators who need entity tools, scripting or a wider add-on workflow should look to a broader alternative.