Minecraft Java · 1.16+
/clone
Copy or move a build, with a block filter and a region preview.
Generated command
Move clears source blocks. The destination may overwrite an existing building. Back up your world first.
Region preview
Select the region
Select two opposite corners. The third point is the destination corner with the lowest X, Y and Z.
Keep blocks under the copy
Choose Without air to keep destination blocks where the source contains air. Use By filter to copy a specific block type.
Copy or move
Normal keeps the original. Force allows overlapping regions. Move clears transferred blocks from the source.
FAQ Frequently asked questions 30 questions
Essential questions 5
What does /clone do?
It copies a rectangular block region to another location. Destination blocks may be overwritten, so verify coordinates beforehand.
When is /clone useful?
It is useful for duplicating small builds, redstone assemblies, and prepared world sections without placing every block manually.
Can /clone copy air blocks too?
Yes. The normal replace mode also copies air, potentially removing destination blocks. Use masked to exclude source air blocks.
Can /clone move a structure instead of copying it?
Yes. The move mode copies the region and clears the corresponding source blocks. This operation can destroy existing structures.
Can /clone copy only selected block types?
Yes. The filtered mode restricts copying to blocks matching the supplied predicate. This is useful for selective changes.
Syntax and arguments 5
How many coordinates are needed?
A basic clone uses three positions: two opposite source corners and the destination starting position. That means nine coordinate values.
Which source corners should I select?
Select two opposite corner blocks. Either ordering can work, and both corner blocks are included in the source region.
What does destination mean?
It specifies the lower northwest corner of the destination region. Minecraft derives the remaining dimensions from the source region.
What does masked do?
The masked mode copies only non-air blocks. Source air does not replace corresponding destination blocks.
What does filtered do?
The filtered mode copies only source blocks matching the specified predicate. Other destination positions are not replaced by that filter.
Practical examples 5
How do I clone a small eight-block cube?
For example, /clone 0 64 0 1 65 1 10 64 10 copies a 2 by 2 by 2 block region to a new location.
How do I copy a structure without air?
Use /clone with the masked mode. It avoids replacing destination blocks where the source contains air.
How do I copy only stone blocks?
For example, /clone 0 64 0 1 65 1 10 64 10 filtered minecraft:stone copies matching stone blocks only.
How do I copy a region to a nearby area?
Provide the two source corners and the nearby destination origin. Check that the destination does not overlap the source unless explicitly intended.
How do I calculate the cloned region volume?
For each axis, take the coordinate difference plus one block. Multiply width, height, and length to obtain the total volume.
Advanced usage 5
What does force do?
The force mode allows copying when source and destination overlap. Use it carefully because existing blocks can be overwritten.
What does move do?
The move mode transfers selected blocks to the destination and then clears corresponding source blocks. Avoid using it without a backup.
What does strict mean in Java Edition?
The strict mode places blocks without ordinary block and shape updates during the operation. It is available only in supported versions.
Can I clone between dimensions?
Modern Java versions support from for the source dimension and to for the target dimension. Both regions must satisfy loading requirements.
Can I filter by block state?
Yes. Java Edition block predicates can include supported block states and data. This provides finer control than matching only block IDs.
Troubleshooting 4
Why does Minecraft report overlapping regions?
The normal mode does not allow source and destination to overlap. Adjust the positions or intentionally use an appropriate supported mode.
Why does Minecraft report too many blocks?
The source volume exceeds the permitted limit. In Java Edition this is related to the gamerule controlling command block modification limits.
Why does cloning fail in unloaded areas?
Both regions must satisfy loading and world-border requirements. Check the dimensions, coordinates, and whether the relevant chunks are available.
Why did the filter copy nothing?
No source blocks may match the specified predicate. Start by testing a simpler filter using only the block identifier.
Minecraft versions 3
When was cross-dimension support added?
Java Edition 1.19.4 introduced dimension arguments for /clone. Older guides may not include this syntax.
When was strict introduced?
The strict mode was introduced in Java Edition 1.21.5. Commands using it are not compatible with older versions unchanged.
Is /clone identical in Java and Bedrock?
No. The editions differ in syntax, filters, and limitations. This FAQ targets Minecraft Java Edition.
Permissions and safety 3
Why can /clone damage a structure?
It overwrites destination blocks, including air in replace mode. Check the target area and back up the world first.
How can I test /clone safely?
Start with a few blocks on an empty testing platform. Verify the result before copying larger structures.
Does /clone have a built-in undo?
There is no automatic undo command for /clone. Recovery requires a backup, saved structure, or another prepared mechanism.
Rate this tool
Did this tool work for you? Tell us what went well or what could improve.
Sign in to leave a review