How can I identify blocks and entities in Minecraft?

Short answer

Jade adds an information overlay for the block or entity under your crosshair in Minecraft Java Edition. Basic identification can work on the client alone. Information such as container contents or beehive details needs server support, and some mod-specific displays need an additional integration.

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Jade 🔍

Snownee

Identifies your target and shows extra information when the setup supports it.

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This is useful when a pack fills the world with unfamiliar machines, plants and building blocks. You can find out what you are looking at without breaking it, then decide whether to inspect a recipe, harvest it or leave it alone.

Start with an overlay that answers your question

Install the Jade release for your game version and loader in the client instance you use. Enter a world and point at a familiar block to check that its name appears. On a server, distinguish “no overlay at all” from “the name appears, but extra information is missing.” Those symptoms lead to different checks.

By default, keypad 0 opens Jade’s configuration and keypad 1 toggles the overlay. A laptop without a number pad is a good reason to rebind these in Minecraft’s controls. The number-row keys are not the same bindings.

Use the configuration to keep the display readable. Begin with the block or entity name and the information you actually need. Move or resize the overlay if it covers another interface. An information mod is more helpful when you can glance at it without losing sight of the game.

Know when the server or an add-on is needed

Jade can show more than names, but it needs access to the relevant data. The author lists storage contents, brewing-stand fuel and beehive information among features that require Jade on the server. A local installation cannot make a server disclose information it is not providing.

For a particular content mod, check Jade’s supported integrations. The author also links separate Jade Addons projects for additional support. Use the one for your loader and release; do not install an unrelated add-on merely because it contains “Jade” in its title.

Once you know a machine’s name, JEI can show its recipe and item uses. That is a practical way to move from “what is this?” to “what can I do with it?”

Common questions

Do all players need Jade on a shared server?: Each player who wants the overlay needs the client mod. Server support enables additional information for clients that use it. Follow the server’s pack instructions instead of assuming every player must change their interface.
Why can I see a chest’s name but not its contents?: Basic identification and storage information have different requirements. Check the server installation, permissions or configuration, and the storage mod’s integration support. Repeatedly toggling the client overlay cannot supply missing server data.
Why does pressing 0 do nothing?: The default configuration key is keypad 0. Open Minecraft’s controls and find Jade’s bindings, then assign a convenient unused key if your keyboard lacks a keypad or another mod uses it.
Can I use Jade with JEI and a minimap?: They serve different parts of the interface. Check that your chosen versions support the same environment, then adjust positions and key bindings. For the map side, see the minimap and waypoint guide.

Find information for your pack

Browse the Minecraft mod overview, or search Minecraft mods on ModGenie. Describe the missing information precisely—for example, the name of the storage mod and whether you manage the server.

Sources

Source information checked October 2, 2026.