Refract

No phone app

8.1No. 3 of 72
in Minecraft Launchers

Recognised40% of the score99
Phone app26% of the score0
Documented20% of the score85
Free plan14% of the score100

Free plan: Yes
Runs on: Windows, Mac, Linux

Summary

Refract is a free software launcher for managing Minecraft modpacks on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports packs from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, with a built-in catalog for browsing compatible content. Each pack runs in a separate instance, keeping mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options 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 breaking saves. Users can choose themes, accent colors, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behavior. Refract supports multiple mod loaders and both types of modpack import. The project is licensed under GNU GPL v3.0, and its application and website are developed publicly. It uses Tauri and Rust for its native shell. Discord supports player help and project discussion, while GitHub is used for bug reports, proposals, and code contributions.

Who it is for

Refract suits Minecraft players who want to browse, import, and maintain modpacks in separate instances. It may also fit users who value publicly developed free software and configurable launcher settings.

What is good

Supports Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB packs.
Keeps each modpack in its own instance.
Preserves worlds during updates.
Manages Java runtimes and automatic updates.
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What to know first

No paid plan or price is listed.
Some support and project discussion takes place through Discord or GitHub.

Verdict

Refract brings modpack discovery, instance separation, and update tools together across desktop platforms. Its separate instances and world preservation are useful details for players maintaining 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