Minecraft schematic formats compared
Build pages offer up to four download formats. They contain the same block model but are read by different tools, so they are not interchangeable.
Pick the format that matches the tool you already use; the coordinates and material counts stay the same.
What each format is for
| Format | Opened by | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| .schem | WorldEdit / Sponge | One-command paste, server builds |
| .litematic | Litematica + MaLiLib | Hologram, material list, layered building |
| .nbt | Structure block | Vanilla worlds, small builds |
| Datapack .zip | /place template | Vanilla servers and maps with no mods |
How to choose
- Building by hand with a ghost overlay: choose .litematic.
- Pasting the whole thing now: choose .schem.
- Vanilla server or friends without mods: choose the datapack or .nbt.
- Sharing a world download: keep the datapack with the world folder.
Every format uses the same northwest-bottom origin. Rotating a build changes how it sits in the world, not the material list.
If something does not work
Can I convert .schem to .litematic?
The site does not ship a converter. Use the format your tool reads, or re-export from the original tool; conversion is not guaranteed to preserve block states.
Which format works on Bedrock?
None of these Java formats. The library targets Java 1.20.1 unless a build page says otherwise.
Why do some builds have fewer formats?
Community projects keep whatever files the author released. Original builds usually include .schem, .litematic, .nbt and a datapack.