Collapsible Groups (JEI)
If you have spent any time with Just Enough Items (JEI) in Minecraft, you know the struggle. You open your ingredient list, and it is a wall of items. Hundreds of blocks, fluids, and tools stare back at you, making it hard to find that one specific piece of colored glass. It is a common problem, but there is now a sleek solution. Collapsible Groups (JEI) is a client-side companion mod that takes that chaotic list and turns it into a tidy, organized set of folders. Instead of scrolling endlessly, you get a clean, collapsible structure that puts everything in its place.
This mod is not just about hiding items. It is about creating a workflow that saves you time. Whether you are a casual builder looking for a cleaner interface or a modpack developer curating an experience for thousands of players, this tool offers the flexibility you need. It allows you to group related entries—like all wool colors or every shulker box variant—into a single, expandable entry. You can collapse them when you want a clear view and expand them instantly when you need a specific variant.
Why You Need Collapsible Groups (JEI) for Minecraft
The core value proposition here is control. Vanilla JEI is a flat list. Collapsible Groups (JEI) for Minecraft introduces a hierarchy. It reduces visual clutter significantly, especially in modpacks where the ingredient list can balloon to thousands of entries. This mod is built for performance and convenience, ensuring your preferences are saved automatically. If you collapse the "Glass" group, it stays collapsed until you decide otherwise, even after restarting the game.
For modpack developers, this is a game-changer. You can ship default groups that define the experience for your users. For modders, it offers a way to present your content in a logical, organized manner without forcing players to use external tools. The mod is designed to be powerful yet lightweight, making it a must-have addition to any setup.
Core Features of the Mod
The feature set of Collapsible Groups is robust and tailored to different types of users. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
Collapsible Ingredient Groups
The primary function is grouping. You can group related entries such as colored glass, wool, shulker boxes, fluids, and more into a single collapsible entry in JEI. This is not just limited to blocks; it supports items, fluids, and custom JEI ingredient types. The expand/collapse functionality is smooth, and the state is saved automatically, so you never have to redo your setup.
Powerful Filter System
Defining groups is done through a flexible filter expression system. This is where the mod shows its depth. You can match by item ID, tag, or namespace. For precise filtering, you can intersect multiple tags. If you need advanced matching, you can navigate component paths. This system is incredibly powerful, allowing you to create highly specific groups that fit your exact needs.
- Match by ID or Tag: Group all items with a specific tag, like
minecraft:wool. - Namespace Filtering: Group all items from a specific mod, like
ae2:. - Component Paths: Dive deep into item components for granular control.
Built-In Defaults and Mod Integrations
Out of the box, the mod includes sensible defaults for common ingredient clutter. This covers vanilla colored blocks such as glass, wool, carpet, terracotta, concrete, shulker boxes, beds, banners, and candles. It also includes generic fluid groups. This means you get immediate value without configuring anything.
Beyond vanilla, Collapsible Groups includes built-in integrations for popular mods. This helps large content mods stay organized with minimal setup. Examples include Chipped, Chisel Modern, Rechiseled, Refined Storage 2, AE2, and more on supported loaders. Each integration can be toggled individually in the config, giving you full control over what you see.
In-Game Editor and JSON Config
You do not need to edit files to create groups. The built-in in-game group editor allows you to create and manage your own groups without leaving the game. You can search and filter ingredients to quickly build and maintain groups, set group display names, and enable or disable groups individually. This makes the mod accessible to everyone, regardless of technical skill.
For those who prefer file-based configuration, groups can also be defined in JSON files. This makes them easy to ship in modpacks or bundle alongside other mods. If you are using NeoForge, you also have access to KubeJS scripting support. This allows you to define groups programmatically, including support for custom ingredient types and recipe viewer events.
Supported Versions and Loaders
Compatibility is a key concern for any mod user. Collapsible Groups supports several loaders and versions. Currently, it supports Fabric for Minecraft 1.21.1, Forge for Minecraft 1.21.1, and NeoForge for Minecraft 1.21.1. The feature set varies slightly between loaders. For example, KubeJS scripting is only available on NeoForge, and the config screen integration differs. On Fabric, you will need Mod Menu for config options. The core features, like the collapsible groups and the in-game editor, are available across all loaders.
If you are looking to streamline your modpack, you might be curious about the easiest way to get started. Many users find that using a launcher with integrated mod management simplifies the process. For instance, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature that handles dependencies automatically. This is particularly useful when you want to download Collapsible Groups (JEI) without manually tracking down Fabric API or other required libraries. The launcher also maintains version compatibility, ensuring that your game and mods stay in sync. It is a practical option for players who want to spend more time playing and less time troubleshooting.
How to Install Collapsible Groups (JEI)
Installing this mod is straightforward, but the exact steps depend on your loader. The primary requirement is that you have Just Enough Items (JEI) installed. If you are on Fabric, you will also need Fabric API. For the KubeJS scripting API on NeoForge, you will need KubeJS installed as an optional dependency. For the config screen on Fabric, you will need Mod Menu.
To begin, ensure you have the correct loader installed for your Minecraft version. Once that is done, you need to download Collapsible Groups (JEI) from a trusted source. After downloading the jar file, navigate to your .minecraft folder and open the mods directory. Simply drag and drop the downloaded file into that folder. Launch the game, and the mod should load automatically. If you are using a launcher like the one from foxygame.net, you can often bypass this manual process. The launcher's add-on catalog allows you to search for Collapsible Groups (JEI) and install it directly, with auto-updates ensuring you always have the latest version.
Final Thoughts
Collapsible Groups (JEI) is a subtle but powerful quality-of-life improvement. It does not add new content or change the game's mechanics; instead, it refines how you interact with existing content. By reducing visual clutter and providing powerful organizational tools, it makes JEI a more pleasant and efficient tool to use. Whether you are a player, a modpack developer, or a modder, this mod offers a level of control that is hard to find elsewhere. It is a testament to the community's dedication to improving the Minecraft experience, and it is well worth adding to your mod list.