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Import guideJavaBedrock

How to Import Minecraft Worlds: Java .zip and Bedrock .mcworld

Just downloaded a generated Minecraft world? Use the correct import path for Java .zip files, Bedrock .mcworld files, Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS, and console Realms transfers.

Updated Jul 8, 20266 min read

Quick Answer

Java Edition needs an extracted world folder inside the saves folder. Bedrock Edition usually opens a .mcworld file directly in Minecraft. If you are on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Bedrock, or console, start with the .mcworld-specific guide.

Generate another world.mcworld quick guide
CartoVoxel generated Minecraft world import guide for Java and Bedrock

Java

.zip

Bedrock

.mcworld

Help

All devices

Before You Import: Check the File You Received

CartoVoxel sends the generated world to your email after cloud rendering finishes. The right import method depends on the Minecraft edition you selected during generation.

Bedrock Edition uses .mcworld files for one-tap import. Java Edition uses a .zip file that must be extracted into the Minecraft saves folder. If the file type does not match your device, import will fail.

Bedrock uses .mcworld

Use this file on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows 10/11 Bedrock, and console workflows that move worlds through Minecraft Realms.

Java uses .zip

Use this file on Minecraft Java Edition for Windows or macOS. Extract it first, then place the world folder in your saves folder.

Console needs a Realm transfer

Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch cannot download arbitrary world files directly from a browser. Import on a phone or Windows PC first, then upload through a Minecraft Realm.

Wrong edition means wrong file

A Java .zip file will not open on an iPad, and a Bedrock .mcworld file is not a Java saves folder. Generate again with the correct edition if needed.

Recommended next steps

Use these pages to move from research to the next practical decision.

BedrockMobile & Bedrock generationUse the .mcworld workflow for phones, tablets, and Bedrock.
PlanningDesktop vs. cloud generationUnderstand why delivery format matters before ordering.
CreateGenerate another worldReturn to the map selector and request a new area.

Importing to Minecraft Bedrock Edition (.mcworld)

If you play on an iPhone, iPad, Android device, or Windows 10/11 Bedrock, CartoVoxel provides a .mcworld file when you choose Bedrock output.

The .mcworld format is designed to make Minecraft Bedrock import simple: open the file, let Minecraft start automatically, and then find the world in your Play list.

One-tap import

A .mcworld file should open directly in Minecraft Bedrock.

If your device asks which app should open the file, choose Minecraft. If Android cannot open it, try a trusted file manager such as Files by Google, FX File Explorer, or ZArchiver.

1. Importing to Minecraft Bedrock Edition (.mcworld)

Use these steps if CartoVoxel sent you a .mcworld file for Bedrock Edition.

For iOS (iPhone and iPad)

  1. 1Open the email from CartoVoxel and tap the download link to save the .mcworld file to the Files app.
  2. 2Open the Files app and locate the downloaded file, usually in Downloads.
  3. 3Tap the .mcworld file.
  4. 4Minecraft should open automatically and show Level Import Started, then Level Import Finished Successfully.
  5. 5Tap Play. Your new real-world map should appear near the top of your worlds list.

For Android (phones and tablets)

  1. 1Download the .mcworld file from your CartoVoxel email to your device.
  2. 2Open your device file manager, such as Files, My Files, or Downloads.
  3. 3Locate the .mcworld file in Downloads.
  4. 4Tap the file. If Android asks which app to use, select Minecraft.
  5. 5Minecraft will launch, import the world, and add it to your worlds list.

Troubleshooting: if tapping the file does not work, use a trusted file manager such as Files by Google, FX File Explorer, or ZArchiver to open the file with Minecraft.

For Windows 10/11 Bedrock Edition

  1. 1Download the .mcworld file to your PC.
  2. 2Double-click the .mcworld file.
  3. 3Minecraft Bedrock should open automatically and import the world for you.
  4. 4Open the Play menu and look for the new CartoVoxel world.

2. Importing to Minecraft Java Edition (.zip)

Use these steps if CartoVoxel sent you a .zip file for the original Java Edition on desktop.

For Windows (Java Edition)

  1. 1Download the .zip file from your CartoVoxel email.
  2. 2Right-click the .zip file and choose Extract All. You should now have a normal world folder.
  3. 3Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  4. 4Type %appdata%\.minecraft\saves and press Enter.
  5. 5Drag the extracted world folder into the saves folder.
  6. 6Open Minecraft Java Edition, click Singleplayer, and select your new real-world map.

Make sure the extracted folder contains files such as level.dat directly inside it. If another folder with the same name is nested inside, move the inner folder into saves instead.

For macOS (Java Edition)

  1. 1Download the .zip file from your CartoVoxel email.
  2. 2Double-click the .zip file to extract it into a normal folder.
  3. 3Open Finder, click Go in the menu bar, hold Option, and choose Library.
  4. 4Navigate to Application Support > minecraft > saves.
  5. 5Move the extracted world folder into the saves folder.
  6. 6Launch Minecraft, open Singleplayer, and play your imported world.

3. Importing to Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch)

Consoles run Bedrock Edition, but they do not let you download custom world files directly from a web browser. The practical workaround is Minecraft Realms.

Console transfer with Minecraft Realms

  1. 1Use a mobile device or Windows PC with Minecraft Bedrock installed, plus an active Minecraft Realms subscription.
  2. 2Download the CartoVoxel .mcworld file to your phone or Windows PC and import it using the Bedrock steps above.
  3. 3Open Minecraft on that phone or PC, go to your Realm settings, and choose Replace World.
  4. 4Choose the newly imported CartoVoxel map and upload it to the Realm.
  5. 5Turn on your Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch, sign into the same Microsoft account, and join the Realm.

Which File Goes Where?

Use this quick reference if you are unsure which import path matches your device.

Which File Goes Where?
Device or editionFile you receivedImport path
iPhone or iPad.mcworldSave to Files, tap the file, and let Minecraft Bedrock import it.
Android.mcworldOpen from Downloads or a trusted file manager, then choose Minecraft.
Windows Bedrock.mcworldDouble-click the file and Minecraft Bedrock imports it.
Windows Java.zipExtract the world folder into %appdata%\.minecraft\saves.
macOS Java.zipExtract the world folder into Application Support > minecraft > saves.
Xbox, PlayStation, Switch.mcworldImport on a phone or Windows PC, then move it to console through Minecraft Realms.

Quick Import Checklist

Most import issues come from choosing the wrong edition, not extracting the Java zip, or placing the wrong folder in saves.

  1. 01

    Confirm your Minecraft edition

    Use Bedrock steps for .mcworld files and Java steps for .zip files.

  2. 02

    Download from your CartoVoxel email

    Keep the original file name if possible so it is easier to identify later.

  3. 03

    Follow the device-specific path

    Bedrock files open directly. Java files must be extracted into the saves folder.

  4. 04

    Launch Minecraft and check the world list

    For Bedrock, check Play. For Java, check Singleplayer.

Need another map?

Generate another world right now

Now that you know how import works, create another real-world map and choose the correct Java or Bedrock output before generation.

Generate another world

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I use this guide or the .mcworld guide?

Use this page if you are choosing between Java and Bedrock import paths. Use the .mcworld guide if you already have a Bedrock .mcworld file and just need to open it on your device.

I got a .zip file but I play on my iPad. What do I do?

You selected Java Edition during generation. Java .zip files will not work on mobile devices. Generate the map again and choose Bedrock Edition (.mcworld) so the file can be imported on iPad, iPhone, Android, or Windows Bedrock.

My Java world is not showing up in the game list.

This usually happens because of a double-folder issue during extraction. Open the world folder you placed in saves. If you see another folder with the exact same name inside it, move that inner folder directly into saves. You should see files like level.dat immediately when you open the world folder.

Can I open a .mcworld file on Android?

Yes. Download the .mcworld file, open it from Downloads or your file manager, and choose Minecraft if Android asks which app to use. If the default file app fails, try a trusted file manager from Google Play.

Can I import a CartoVoxel world onto Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch?

Yes, but consoles need an indirect workflow. Import the .mcworld file on a phone or Windows PC first, upload it to a Minecraft Realm, then join that Realm from your console using the same Microsoft account.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Now that you know how easy it is to import worlds, generate another one. Build a base in a favorite vacation spot or explore your school campus in Minecraft.

Generate another world right now...Start generating

Related guides

How to Open a .mcworld FileThe shorter Bedrock-specific import guide for Windows, iPhone, iPad, Android, and console paths.Mobile & Bedrock GenerationLearn when to choose .mcworld output for phones, tablets, and Bedrock players.Google Maps to Minecraft ConverterGenerate a real-world map before importing it into Minecraft.

Related guides

Continue with the closest CartoVoxel guide for this workflow.

GuideMobile & Bedrock GenerationLearn when to choose .mcworld output for phones, tablets, and Bedrock players.
GuideThe Best Arnis AlternativeCompare desktop workflows with CartoVoxel's browser-based real-world map generation.
GuideIs Arnis Safe?Understand why the final world file is not the same risk as downloading unknown generator software.