Minecraft Java custom entity models
Entity Model Features (EMF) adds support for OptiFine-style Custom Entity Model rules so compatible resource packs can change entity geometry without OptiFine. For Minecraft 26.2, creator-listed EMF 3.2.6 releases exist for Fabric/Quilt and NeoForge. The project documentation says Entity Texture Features (ETF) is required even though the individual Modrinth version relations are empty.
Current compatibility snapshot
| Loader | Release | Environment |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric/Quilt | 3.2.6-fabric-26.2, ID xQeW3qQB |
Client-side |
| NeoForge | 3.2.6-neoforge-26.2, ID jFT7K26t |
Client-side |
EMF is licensed LGPL-3.0-only and maintained by Traben. Its project page explicitly says ETF supplies features used by EMF, including model texture variation and configuration support. Treat that creator documentation as the dependency rule for installation; an empty dependency array on a particular release is not proof that ETF can be omitted.
Separate models from textures
EMF owns custom entity geometry, model parts, and supported model rules. ETF owns random, emissive, and conditional entity textures. A resource pack can use both. If a mob has the right shape but the wrong artwork, changing EMF options may not help. If the texture is correct but horns, ears, limbs, or animation pivots are misplaced, start with the EMF path.
The creator also warns that EMF is not compatible with OptiFine, OptiFabric, or another competing Custom Entity Model implementation. Running two systems that transform the same entity-model format makes any result ambiguous.
Install a controlled model test
- Create a Java 26.2 profile using Fabric/Quilt or NeoForge, then install the exact matching EMF 3.2.6 file.
- Install the current matching ETF build documented by the creator. Do not add OptiFine, OptiFabric, or another CEM mod.
- Select one resource pack that explicitly supports an entity-model format handled by EMF. Disable other entity and animation packs.
- Spawn or locate one entity in a disposable world. Record its vanilla shape, then enable the pack and compare the same perspective.
- Restart the client and repeat the same entity, animation state, biome, and pack priority before expanding the test.
Use the pack creator’s instructions for priority and companion texture requirements. EMF cannot repair a malformed or unsupported model file, and a showcase image cannot prove that every entity in a pack has the same format coverage.
Troubleshoot wrong geometry or animation
If the entity stays vanilla, confirm the pack actually contains a custom model for that entity and that it is enabled above conflicting packs. Check the log for rejected model files or missing ETF. If geometry appears but a texture is wrong, isolate ETF and the resource-pack rules. If the model breaks only during one animation, repeat without shader, culling, player-animation, or entity-rendering additions.
If the client crashes at startup, verify the loader-specific JAR and Minecraft 26.2, then remove competing CEM implementations. Preserve the log and identify the first model or entity named. Do not delete the entire resource-pack folder or edit many JSON files before reproducing the smallest failure.
Rollback
Exit Minecraft, copy the EMF and ETF configs if you changed them, disable the test pack, and remove only EMF. If another installed mod explicitly requires EMF, use a copied profile rather than forcing the original to start. Relaunch and confirm the entity returns to vanilla geometry. Restore ETF separately because removing both at once prevents you from distinguishing model and texture effects.
Handle resource-pack updates as new tests
A pack update can change model files even when EMF itself stays on 3.2.6. Keep the previous pack and a screenshot of the known-good entity until the replacement passes. Compare the same entity, pose, pack priority, and perspective after a full restart. If only the new pack fails, report its exact filename and affected entity to the pack creator; if several previously working packs fail after an EMF update, the EMF issue route is the stronger handoff.
Sources and honest unknowns
Metadata and dependency guidance were rechecked August 28, 2026. MineBrush did not run EMF, ETF, or a model pack. OptiFine-format parity, animation fidelity, shader compatibility, culling interaction, and behavior of a particular pack remain unknown until tested. For the texture half of the stack, continue to the Entity Texture Features guide.

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