Pick-BlockState
Minecraft's creative mode gives you the power to pick any block you see, but vanilla pick-block has a frustrating limitation. When you middle-click a chest or furnace while holding Ctrl, you get an exact copy with all its stored data. For every other block, you only get the default state. Pick-BlockState changes that, letting you copy the full block state of any block you target, from the direction a stair faces to whether a redstone lamp is lit. It is a small mod that makes a massive difference for builders, redstone engineers, and map makers who demand precision.
What Pick-BlockState Does
In standard Minecraft, Ctrl + pick-block on a block entity like a chest, hopper, or dispenser copies its NBT data, including its inventory. Pick-BlockState extends this behavior to every block in the game. When you Ctrl + pick-block a non-entity block, the mod captures its block state properties: the facing direction of stairs, slabs, and logs; the powered state of redstone components; whether a campfire is lit; if a block is waterlogged; the shape of a rail; the half of a door; and many more subtle details. The item you receive is already configured to place the block in that exact state, no matter which way you are facing or what the surrounding environment looks like.
For example, if you pick an upside-down stair facing west, you will always place an upside-down stair facing west. If you pick a waterlogged slab, you will place a waterlogged slab. If you pick a redstone lamp that is currently lit, you will get a lamp that places in the lit state. This eliminates the need to manually adjust block orientation or use debug stick tricks, saving time and reducing placement errors.
Why Builders and Redstoners Love It
Building complex structures often requires placing blocks in specific orientations. Without Pick-BlockState, you would have to rotate each block individually or rely on the block's placement logic, which depends on your position and the face you click. With this mod, you can sample any existing block state and replicate it instantly. This is especially useful when copying intricate redstone contraptions where the powered state of repeaters, comparators, and observers matters. You can pick a powered repeater set to a specific delay and place it exactly as it was, preserving the circuit's timing.
Map makers also benefit greatly. When designing adventure maps or custom structures, you often need to place blocks with specific states that are not easily obtainable in survival. Pick-BlockState lets you sample those states directly from existing builds, speeding up the creative process and reducing the need for commands or external editors.
Supported Minecraft Versions and Mod Loaders
Pick-BlockState is actively maintained for modern Minecraft versions. You can download Pick-BlockState for Fabric and Forge, with builds available for 1.19.4, 1.20.1, and 1.20.4. The mod is lightweight and client-side, meaning it works in single-player worlds and on multiplayer servers without requiring the server to install it. Always check the mod's official download page for the latest version compatible with your game client.
How to Install Pick-BlockState
Installing Pick-BlockState is straightforward, but you need the correct mod loader first. Follow these steps to get started:
- Step 1: Install Fabric Loader or Forge for your Minecraft version. Fabric requires the Fabric API mod as well.
- Step 2: Download Pick-BlockState from a trusted mod repository. Look for the file that matches your loader and game version.
- Step 3: Place the downloaded .jar file into your Minecraft mods folder. On Windows, this is usually
%appdata%\.minecraft\mods. - Step 4: Launch the game with the correct profile. Once in a creative world, hold Ctrl and middle-click any block to copy its state.
If you use a custom launcher like foxygame.net, the process is even simpler. The launcher's built-in add-on catalog includes Pick-BlockState, so you can install it with a single click and the launcher automatically ensures version compatibility, saving you the hassle of manual file management.
How It Works in Practice
The mod hooks into Minecraft's existing pick-block mechanic. When you press the pick-block key (default middle mouse button) while holding Ctrl, the game checks if the targeted block is a block entity. If it is, vanilla behavior applies and you get an item with NBT data. If it is not, Pick-BlockState takes over and creates an item with the block's current block state properties stored as item NBT. When you place that item, the mod reads the stored state and applies it, overriding the default placement logic.
This means you can pick a lit campfire, a waterlogged slab, a stair with a specific shape, or a fence with particular connections, and place them exactly as they were. The mod handles dozens of block state properties seamlessly, making it an essential tool for anyone who works with detailed builds or redstone circuits.
Why Pick-BlockState Stands Out
There are other mods that offer similar functionality, but Pick-BlockState focuses on simplicity and reliability. It does not add new items or clutter your inventory; it simply enhances the existing pick-block action. The mod is also open-source and receives regular updates to support new Minecraft versions and block state properties. For those who want even more advanced features, the mod author recommends checking out Pick Block Pro by Sjouwer, which builds on the same concept with additional options. However, for most players, Pick-BlockState provides exactly what is needed without any extra complexity.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Pick-BlockState
- Use it to copy redstone components in their powered or unpowered state to quickly replicate circuits.
- Sample waterlogged blocks to place them underwater without needing a bucket.
- Pick stairs and slabs with specific shapes to maintain consistent detailing across large builds.
- Combine with other building mods like WorldEdit for even faster construction.
Whether you are a seasoned builder, a redstone enthusiast, or a map maker, Pick-BlockState for Minecraft is a small addition that delivers a huge quality-of-life improvement. Once you start using it, you will wonder how you ever built without it. Download Pick-BlockState today and take full control over every block state in your world.