Tutorials/Programs and editors

The Minecraft community has created dozens of programs that can be used to enhance the game. Server software is so numerous that it has a page of its own. The most popular programs are Mappers that create an overhead view of a level. Map Editors let you directly alter a level outside of the game. Level Generators create new terrain types and block patterns that aren't available normally. Mods and Total Conversions add completely new features or modes of play to the core Minecraft game. Backup Utilities make it easy to play your favorite worlds on mulitple computers as well as giving you peace of mind knowing that your worlds are safe. Finally, there are Specialized Programs for editing your inventory, simulating Redstone circuits, and altering game files at a low level.

Software is Windows-only if not specified.

Mappers
Overhead mappers create a literal map of your level's terrain. Many mappers have options for different overhead and angled modes, and some will limit the map to selected block types or slice the map into smaller pieces.

Minecraft Overviewer
A Google Maps powered overview that draws your map in 30 degree isometric mode with a high level of detail. Source code and demos are available on github.

OpenCraft Plotter
From the OpenCraft project, comes Plotter. It is a Java library and standalone tool designed to have an expansive suite of visualizations for every known format of Minecraft save file.

Map Viewers
Map viewers are read-only and interactive.

Map Editors
Map editors alter a level's terrain or other properties, such as player position and time of day. Some of them also let you edit your inventory and generate terrain.


 * NBT Forge
 * A successor to Omen that supports the newer Alpha levels. Like Omen, you can view 2d slices and paint blocks using a different set of brushes. NBTForge was initially created for the old Indev format.
 * Alpha only. Forum thread.


 * mce
 * Command-line editor derived from MCEdit. Works well with servers.
 * Forum thread.

Level Generators
These programs will either create a new level with custom terrain, or "implant" new blocks into an existing level.

ZOMG
Creates wild, surreal landscapes of several varieties. Forum thread. Classic only.

MCMapper
A dungeon generator seemingly inspired by old Roguelike games. Creates rooms and levels out of different materials, in different styles. Rooms may hold traps, statues, enemy spawns, and/or treasure. Forum thread. Alpha only.

DF2MC
Converts a Dwarf Fortress level to a Minecraft Alpha world according to a ruleset.Forum thread. Alpha only.

Portal
Converts Minecraft Classic into a Portal-like game with working portals, buttons, and storage cubes. Includes a texture pack and custom server software.

Forum thread.

Custom server software for starting your own Portal server.

Runecraft
Adds magical runes to Alpha Multiplayer. Teleport to different places and enchant your weapons by building runes on the ground.

Forum thread.

Subterranean
Turns the above ground world into large caves. In place chunk generator mod, so the chunk generation will build cave levels.

Forum thread.

Skins and textures
There is a huge list of texture packs at the forum.

Mod Installer
Installs graphics packs and other mods for Alpha. Can detect the structure of mods inside zip files, allowing for one-click installation in most cases. Download.

Backup Utilities
Backup Utilities will make sure your saved games stay safe and can restore previously made backups upon errors.

Specialized Programs

 * Stand alone client
 * The stand alone client was made by notch himself, and allows people to play Minecraft without an internet browser or connection.

Server Wrappers
Server wrappers are mods that do not modify the Minecraft server or its data files, but instead read its console output and supply console commands in order to add additional functionality.


 * McMyAdmin
 * McMyAdmin is a web based administration tool supporting both Windows and GNU/Linux servers.


 * MC Server Helper
 * MC Server Helper is a console wrapper for Windows that automates server backup and restart.
 * Official site

Help

 * Minecraft Canary
 * Android app that serves as a full guide to Minecraft. Features a Timer that tells you what time of the day is it. Contains a full recipe list, tips, info about mobs, block IDs.. Coming to iPhone soon.
 * Official site


 * Minecraft Handbook
 * Android app for everything Minecraft. Good reference guide. Contains a nice recipe viewer.
 * Official site


 * Minecraft ID List
 * An interactive ID list that allows you to search through blocks and items. Alpha only.


 * Kubik
 * Kubik is a overlay encyclopedia for Minecraft with online chat and lists of servers.