Do I need cheats enabled to use the /fill command?

Yes, cheats must be turned on in your world settings. You can enable them when creating a new world or by opening your world to LAN and toggling cheats on in the pause menu.

What's the difference between the 1.13+ and 1.11-1.12 syntax?

Minecraft changed the command syntax in version 1.13. Older versions (1.11-1.12) require you to add a data value (the 0 in the middle) to specify which variant of the block. Newer versions don't need this.

Why is my water coming back after I use /fill?

Your fill region is too small. Water flows back into gaps you don't fill. Make sure your x1, y1, z1 and x2, y2, z2 coordinates cover the entire water area you want to remove.

Can I use /fill with relative coordinates?

Yes. Any coordinate starting with ~ is relative to your current position. For example, ~5 means 5 blocks away from where you are standing. This makes it easier to fill nearby areas without looking up exact coordinates.

Does /fill work in Survival mode?

Only if cheats are enabled. With cheats on, you can use commands in any mode. Without cheats, commands don't work and you need to be in Creative mode to use them.

/fill Command: Remove Water with Air

Using the /fill Command to Remove Water

Need to clear out water fast in Minecraft? The /fill command is your answer. Instead of manually placing thousands of blocks, you can replace entire sections of water with air in seconds. This guide covers the syntax, examples, and how to run it on your world.

What You Need

First things first: you need cheats enabled on your world. If you haven’t turned cheats on yet, you’ll need to do that before running any commands. You can enable cheats when creating a new world, or open your world to LAN and enable cheats there.

The /fill Command Syntax

Java Edition 1.13 and Later (1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20)

/fill <x1> <y1> <z1> <x2> <y2> <z2> air replace water

Java Edition 1.11 and 1.12

/fill <x1> <y1> <z1> <x2> <y2> <z2> air 0 replace water

Understanding the Coordinates

The coordinates define the box where the command will work:

x1 y1 z1 – The first corner of your fill area
x2 y2 z2 – The opposite corner of your fill area

You can use exact coordinates or relative coordinates (starting with ~). For example, ~10 means 10 blocks away from your current position.

Practical Examples

Example for Java 1.13+

To remove water in a region from coordinates 10, 0, 40 to -40, -3, -40, use:

/fill ~10 ~0 ~40 ~-40 ~-3 ~-40 air replace water

Example for Java 1.11-1.12

The older versions need a bit more syntax:

/fill ~10 ~0 ~40 ~-40 ~-3 ~-40 air 0 replace water

How to Run the Command

Step 1: Open Chat

The easiest way to run commands is through the chat window:

Java Edition (PC/Mac): Press T to open chat
Windows 10/11: Press T to open chat
Pocket Edition: Tap the chat button at the top
Xbox One: Press D-Pad right
PS4: Press D-Pad right
Nintendo Switch: Press right arrow on controller

Step 2: Type and Execute

Type your /fill command into the chat box. You’ll see it appear in the lower left corner as you type. When you’re ready, press Enter to run it. You’ll see a message like “1640 blocks filled” confirming the command worked.

Important Tips

Make sure your fill region is big enough. If you only replace part of the water, the remaining water will flow back and refill the area. Always use coordinates that cover the entire water section you want to remove.

Also keep in mind that the larger your fill area, the longer it takes to process. Super massive regions might lag your game briefly.

Other Fill Commands You Might Want

The /fill command works on any block type. You can use it to replace lava, build structures, clear land, or remove other blocks fast. Check out our guide on removing lava the same way.