How To Use The Setblock Command Wiki Guide
This Minecraft tutorial explains how to use the /setblock command with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.
You can replace a block with another block using the /setblock command in Minecraft. Let’s explore how to use this cheat (game command).
Requirements
To run game commands in Minecraft, you have to turn cheats on in your world.
SetBlock Command
SetBlock Command in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and 1.20, the syntax to replace a block with another block is:
/setblock <pos> <block> [destroy¦keep¦replace]
In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11 and 1.12, the syntax to replace a block with another block is:
/setblock <x> <y> <z> <tileName> [dataValue] [oldBlockHandling] [dataTag]
Definitions
- pos or x y z is the x y z coordinate for the block to replace.
- tileName is name of the replacement block. (See Minecraft Item Names)
- dataValue is optional. It is the variation of the block if more than one type exists for that tileName. (See Minecraft Data Values)
- oldBlockHandling is optional. It tells the command how to replace the block. The default behavior is replace. It can be one of the following values:
- replace – Replaces the block, including air.
- keep – Replaces the block if the block was air.
- destroy – Replaces the block, including air. Old block will be dropped and can then be collected as if it was mined with a pickaxe or shovel.
- dataTag is optional. It is the data tag for the new block. It is a compound NBT tag such as {Potion:harming}.
TIP: Read our tutorial called Understanding the Coordinate System to learn about the XYZ coordinates in Minecraft and how to find your current coordinates.
Examples
Example in Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and 1.20
To replace a block that is 1 block East and 1 block South with birch planks in Minecraft 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and 1.20:
/setblock ~1 ~ ~1 birch_planks
To replace the block beneath you with prismarine stairs:
/setblock ~ ~-1 ~ prismarine_stairs
To replace the block at the coordinates (-209, 69, 2) with a jungle trapdoor:
/setblock -209 69 2 jungle_trapdoor
Example in Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.11 and 1.12
To replace a block that is 1 block East and 1 block South with birch planks in Minecraft 1.11 and 1.12:
/setblock ~1 ~0 ~1 planks 2
To replace the block beneath you with a diamond block:
/setblock ~ ~-1 ~ diamond_block
To replace the block at the coordinates (-126, 65, 229) with obsidian:
/setblock -126 65 229 obsidian
How to Enter the Command
1. Open the Chat Window
The easiest way to run a command in Minecraft is within the chat window. The game control to open the chat window depends on the version of Minecraft:
- For Java Edition (PC/Mac), press the T key to open the chat window.
- For Pocket Edition (PE), tap on the chat buttonÂ
 at the top of the screen. - For Xbox One, press the D-Pad (right)Â
 on the controller. - For PS4, press the D-Pad (right)  on the controller.
- For Nintendo Switch, press the right arrow buttonÂ
 on the controller. - For Windows 10 Edition, press the T key to open the chat window.
- For Education Edition, press the T key to open the chat window.
2. Type the Command
In this example, we will replace a block with birch planks using the following command:
/setblock ~1 ~0 ~1 planks 2
Type the command in the chat window. As you are typing, you will see the command appear in the lower left corner of the game window. Press the Enter key to run the command.
This /setblock command would replace the block at ~1 ~0 ~1 with birch planks. This is the block that is 1 block East, 0 blocks downward, and 1 block South of where the command is run.
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) |
Minecraft DataValue |
|---|---|---|
 |
Oak Planks (planks) |
0 |
 |
Spruce Planks (planks) |
1 |
 |
Birch Planks (planks) |
2 |
 |
Jungle Planks (planks) |
3 |
 |
Acacia Planks (planks) |
4 |
 |
Dark Oak Planks (planks) |
5 |
 |
Mangrove Planks (planks) |
6 |
 |
Crimson Planks (planks) |
7 |
 |
Warped Planks (planks) |
8 |
 |
Bamboo Planks (planks) |
9 |
 |
Cherry Planks (planks) |
10 |
For the replacement block, we use a name of planks and a DataValue of 2 to represent birch planks. See a list of all Minecraft Item Names and DataValues.
You will see the message “Block placed” appear in the lower left corner of the game window to indicate that the setblock command has completed.
Congratulations, you have learned how to use the /setblock command in Minecraft.
Other SetBlock Cheats
You can use other setblock commands in Minecraft such as:
How to Use the SetBlock Command to Add a Door
How to Use the SetBlock Command to Add a Torch