Mastering Minecraft: A Guide to Using the Fill Command

Looking to enhance your building skills in Minecraft? The Fill Command is a powerful tool that can help you quickly fill large areas with blocks of your choice.

This article will guide you through using the Fill Command, from understanding its syntax to exploring different parameters.

We will also provide tips on how to maximize this command and discuss practical uses for building structures, clearing landscapes, and creating custom maps.

Dive in and level up your Minecraft building game!

What is the Fill Command in Minecraft?

The fill command is a command as part of a command-line interface that is used in Minecraft to place a specific kind of block or design in a specific section of the game. The fill command sets all or part of a region of space specified by two opposite corner coordinates, and fills the desired space with a specific kind of pattern or block, which may consist of just one block type or a more complex pattern.

This is advantageous when constructing large portions of mobile or fixed game elements or for ease in dealing with water as described by YouTuber PythonMC. The fill command can be used to both replace empty (or air) blocks and any other blocks with a certain type. It can replace air blocks with other materials, giving one a very easy way to clear space to build something in survival mode quicker.

Users need to check if cheats are activated in their game settings as disabling this will disable running the fill command. Although it can be overridden on a specific single-player world by changing settings in the game menu, the server must allow cheats in multiplayer worlds for the fill command to be usable.

How to Use the Fill Command in Minecraft?

The fill command in Minecraft is used to replace all of the blocks in a specified area with some other block, liquid, or structure. The meaning of the video farmer Bey in the popular phrase I got my pigs in a blanket is that he used the fill replace command to replace all the blocks around the pigs with wool blocks. The video from JutZe TV shows how to use the fill command.

The fill command in Minecraft uses a X Y Z X1 Y1 Z1 destination argument to specify the region that should be filled from the X, Y, Z coordinates and the region that should be left from the X1 Y1 Z1 coordinates. Users will typically add minecraft in the front before the schematic filename.

Step 1: Know the Syntax of the Fill Command

The syntax of the fill command is as follows and always follows this specific order:

• The center point of the area to be filled.
• The two corner points defining opposite directions from the center point.
• The block to be filled into the defining area.
• The following is the general form of the fill command followed by the form specific to the circumstances of the specific question being addressed by the fill command.

/fill [dataValue] [oldBlockHandling] [replaceBlockHandling] [filterBlocks]

• Centerpoint and opposite cornerpoint are indicated by their x, y, and z coordinates. These can be input individually, which is what most people do, with integers for blocks to the center and opposite corners of the defined area.
• However, absolute positioning or relative positioning (using ~ to indicate relative coordinates defining positions relative to the player or a command block) can also be used. It is possible to fill positions in all 3 dimensions by using either set of coordinates, and multiple areas can be filled by adding more space-defined areas to the command.

Step 2: Determine the Coordinates of the Area to be Filled

To successfully fill an area, you must know the coordinates of the area you want to fill with blocks or fluids. In Minecraft, the abbreviation for coordinates is XYZ where X is the east and west axis, Y is the vertical axis, and Z is the north and south axis. The game world has dimensions of ±30 million on each of these three axes. Halfway up the Y axis is the sea level (y=64). The exact position correlates with the level of the highest ocean block. The player’s position in the world is represented by XYZ in the top left corner of the F3 debug screen. The developer’s guide for enabling the F3 debug screen is Alt-F3 on Windows and Fn-Alt-F3 on Mac.

Two coordinates for any two distinct blocks in-game are determined by looking at the two axis for the first block and drawing a line in the direction of the corresponding axis space until you reach the second block. The corresponding point in each new axis is where the two points would connect in the real world. Filling commands need two pairs of coordinates to identify the area to be filled. The player begins by looking at the blocks’ two corners that mark the area to be filled. To note down these coordinates, take a look at the player’s XYZ position about where you see that the F3 debug screen represents the lowest y-coordinate and locate the specified building project.

Step 3: Choose the Block to be Used for Filling

The fill command as instructed in Step 1 is followed by choosing the entire area to fill, using the same coordinates as used to select the area. The remaining thing to figure out is the fill block – the type of block to be used for filling. The block to be used should be specified after the /fill command as the final input in the same syntax as the coordinates but the coordinates should be specified in the X Y Z coordinates format by typing the name of the block for the final space covered. For example, to fill the entire selected area with gravel, after selecting it with the two sets of coordinates one would type /fill X Y Z X Y Z gravel as seen in the steps above.

Step 4: Use the Fill Command with the Chosen Parameters

Now that you have the desired parameters from the coordinate system (x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2) and the desired block, you are ready to use the fill command. Make sure you are in the safe location of your choice. The syntax for the /fill command is the following:

1. Statement of current location in terms of the new point 1 coordinates (x1, y1, z1)
2. New statement with a space for new point 2 (x2, y2, z2)
3. New station x1 y1 z1 within space defined in new x2 y2 z2 by typing this in after /fill (x1 y1 z1)
4. New space which we wish to be filled and changed in the station x2 y2 z2 (x2 y2 z2)
5. Block type designation. Please do not leave out minecraft or else it will not work (block_type)
6. Extra options which are not necessary for this example

Execute by hitting enter. What you have done is issued a command to fill the area of block IDs between x1 y1 z1 and x2 y2 z2 with block IDs with the designation you have selected.

What are the Different Parameters of the Fill Command?

The parameters of the fill command in Minecraft are as follows:

1. fill p1 p2 block or fill p1 p2 tile
   • Replaces all blocks with the chosen block or tile type in horizontal cuboid with opposite corners at wx, wy, wz1 and wx, wy, wz2
2. replace block oldBlock newBlock or replace tile oldTile newTile
   • Replaces all oldBlock or oldTile with newBlock or newTile in the horizontal cuboid with opposite corners at wx, wy, wz1 and wx, wy, wz2
3. keep block block or keep tile tile
   • Replaces all non-block or non-tile with an instance of block or tile in the horizontal cuboid with opposite corners at wx, wy, wz1 and wx, wy, wz2

These fill/replace/keep commands are all followed by cubic volume, block replacement, or keeping another block commands.

They can use a wide array of parameters that specify the maximum and minimum limits of any real, imaginary, or programmed space in the 3-dimentional Minecraft world, according to their technical degree of operation.

Replace Parameter

The /fill command’s replace parameter functions like the destroy parameter in the /fill command in Java Edition. When the replace parameter is used, if the block is replaced, all blocks with the same block-state tag (that are not dependent on another block being that block – for example, chest orientation) are also replaced.

Like the minecraft:destroy strategy, blocks in the region that match one of the specified from block arguments will be replaced with either the specified to block argument or 0.

To use the replace parameter, players follow the same procedure as previously described on how to activate the replace mode which involves replacing the m (mode) argument used to determine how the to commands are supposed to interact, with the replace parameter. This parameter acts as a replacement pattern for all blocks in the region that are the same as the specified from blocks. To use the m argument to activate the replace mode, do:

Write /fill x1 y1 z1 x2 y2 z2 from replace to (where the player selects the corner blocks for the specified fill area).
Fill in from with the block that players aim at which fills the area in the wield slot (in our case a stripped acacia log) or type it in the Find Item search bar and hit Enter, then fill in to by selecting the desired replacement block or 0 (which destroys the block that selected to block for the replace mode) in the wield slot or again typing it into the Find Item search bar and hitting Enter.
Type a m replace. The complete command for the replacement should look like this: /fill -208 35 151 -206 38 149 stripped_acacia_log replace end_stone brickslab.
Activate the replace mode by pressing Enter.
Hit Enter to run the command. If a block from region -208 35 151 to -206 38 149 is used in the to argument and it matches the from field, it will be replaced by the fill block. If the from argument is a block, then that block itself will be replaced whether or not it exists elsewhere in the to argument.

Destroy Parameter

The destroy parameter of the /fill command constructs preexisting blocks from the source region. The destroy parameter does not remove entire structures. Instead, it removes the specific blocks specified by the target area parameters. It replaces the blocks within the specified target cuboid area with air blocks.

To use the destroy parameter of the /fill command, you specify the target coordinate area. In the target coordinates area, a cuboid is defined with 2 coordinates, representing a diagonal from the bottom southwest to the top northeast. The blocks including the edges located inside this cuboid are destroyed. The destroy parameter is set using replace force where only the blocks intended to be destroyed are defined within the area.

For example, to delete only planks highlighted in purple from an area highlighted in chartreuse within the redstone ready modern house, the /fill command is typed as /fill 110 68 133 117 70 144 air replace force miniblock:stone_andesite_mini.

Keep Parameter

The keep parameter is as if it is set by default during work with the /fill command in Minecraft. When using the /fill command to edit structures, the keep parameter specifies whether previously existing block state should remain the same. Basically when an existing block in the space covered by x y z coordinates of your fill command overlaps a block in the target region and the filled block does not have the block data tag block of the existing block the data value of the block of the existing block is copied.

In the /fill command, one sets keep to true by using replace as the tag method and data tag. All blocks are replaced except those with the specified tag. If you use destroy as your tag, then no blocks will be replaced or copied. The keep tag is not used on its own; it is combined with other parameters such as destroy, replace, opaque, etc.

Hollow Parameter

The hollow parameter for the Fill command makes the selection outline into an empty space. That means that the blocks on the perimeter of the selection area clear, but the interior area remains the same. What you are essentially doing is creating a defined space of nothing – a monument or other showcase. For example, you can create a hollow cuboid tube by selecting the walls but not the interior of the Fill area to cover them with the new material. An example entry might be “/fill x1 y1 z1 x2 y2 z2 minecraft:glass replace minecraft:air hollow“. There are two options for this command, false which replaces all instances of the material in the selection perimeter with nothing, or true which only replaces individual blocks that are already nothing with the selected material.

Outline Parameter

The outline parameter of the /fill command is internally similar to the replace parameter. Notch added the outline parameter in response to a Reddit post. Players have been using the on-ground method for outlining build areas in their desired blocks.

• They fly above the build area and place markers.
• They then encapsulate all that with the fill command in their desired material.

However, once they did this, the filling of the imagined halfway and inside of the build was tedious and sometimes impossible. They would fall into the building area and destroy it before it’s even built. The outline pos1 replace air and outline pos2 replace air command fills all empty blocks in the outlined area with air. The outline pos1 replace filter and outline pos2 replace filter command retains old block types in the outlined area. Including the old block shown in the video below.

`

TileName Parameter

The TileName parameter defines the block that will fill the specified selection according to the /fill parameters. This typically follows the integer coordinates of the selection.

Although it is not necessary to input this parameter, the TileName parameter can be used with Java Edition F3+H mode. This mode shows which block is to be filled. The TileName parameter is an excellent descriptive reminder for what kind of block to choose.

A range of optional numbers can be added after the TileName optional value. A var=value pair defines a ‘fill tag’ that’s a part of the mandatory BlockTag rather than ItemTag.

The fill command with the TileName optional block is described as follows. The syntax has data values in angle brackets. The arg (argument) < command-value > set would be the pos1 of an area definition followed by the pos2 of an area definition and finally followed by all parameters in square brackets. Here is the definition of the arg (argument) < command-value > filled in for a 10×10 horizontal selection from (275 4 338) to (295 14 348) holding by quartz blocks. The proper syntax of a fill command which adjusts the TileName as well is as follows: /fill <[fill_mask]> [ `. ]`.

Randomize Parameter

The randomize parameter allows you to create random data inside your selected area. This may not seem very impactful, but many things not essential to the functioning of the game are included in the randomize category, such as banner patterns, block rotations, fluid levels, etc. The randomize parameter can be applied retroactively by affecting pre-existing blocks while using the /fill command. To make 100% of the blocks turn into a random existing type with random block state values, insert randomize on 1. To turn only a portion of your selection into random blocks, inser an existing type, then replace the `MODIFY_TILE` tag into `RANDOMIZABLE` (removing the `MODIFY_TILE` tag), and then choose from a list of ‘properties’ and ‘values’ to adapt.

What are Some Tips for Using the Fill Command?

Some tips for using the fill command in Minecraft are to only use it on block types that can be filled, utilizing the replace option, modifying your block selection if your fill does not work, and to adjust the data values for the replace option. Always plan your fill command to avoid overwriting your build, and always test smaller selections before filling a larger region.

Though learning how the fill command works can be frustrating, it is not as difficult as you might think. By practicing proper selection methods and saving successful operations as templates for future use, the fill command is a great way to save time within the game.

Use Coordinates Relative to the Player’s Position

Coordinates can be used in conjunction with /fill and are a way of specifying which blocks need to be replaced. To specify coordinates, use x y z, where x, y, and z are the east-west, up-down, and north-south axes respectively. Below we learn how to use the /fill command in conjunction with the `tildes` (~) to select different groups of blocks.

Combine the Fill Command with Other Commands

You can combine the fill command with other commands in Minecraft to target a contiguous block across multiple objects. The following is an example of combining the fill command with some other useful command:

1. /fill – fills a region with a specific block or material
2. /clone – copies blocks from one region and is pasted into another
3. /fill replace – changes a block with another block
4. /fill destroy – destroys blocks in a selected region

The example fills stone across all trees blocks in the region, or simply removes the fill blocks after several seconds:

2. Combine /fill with /clone:
   • /fill X1 Y1 Z1 X2 Y2 Z2 stone replace minecraft:oak_log
   • /clone X1 Y1 Z1 X2 Y2 Z2 X3 Y3 Z3

Use the Tab Key for Auto-Completion

The Tab key on your keyboard can be used to automatically fill in partially typed words or in this case commands. The Tab completion function allows players to quickly and painlessly complete long command strings. Particularly when they do not remember the exact string but they have already entered a large part of the command.

In the Minecraft chat, simply start typing a command and use the Tab key to cycle through the autocomplete options. If /fill b is typed, pressing the Tab key will either complete to /fill bedrock or /fill barrels if those definitions are available. Some Computer Minecraft keyboards may require the player to use a Control + Tab option to cycle through the autocomplete options as by default pressing the Tab key on the computer version will exit the command prompt.

What choices are suggested by the Tab key or Control + Tab option with regard to the /fill command? A /fill command coupled with a tilde (~) will result in auto-completion options that suggest at least the following alternatives:

1. x y z full world coordinates
2. dx dy dz relative coordinates
3. xm ym zm fill direction
4. replace old-block new-block block substitution

What are Some Practical Uses of the Fill Command?

The following are practical uses or applications of the /fill command:

1. Building: Filling large areas with blocks. Whether you want to fill the area with a block to have a flat surface or create part of a build, this is the main use of the fill command in Minecraft.
2. Landscaping: Creating artificial landscapes with fill. You can cover water or lava to make new land, remove unwanted landscape features such as mountains or caves, or make platforms for large-scale building projects.
3. Removal of liquids: Removing or moving liquids errantly into areas not intended. If liquids flow into unintended areas, the fill command can quickly resolve the issue before too much damage is done.
4. Creation of pools and ponds: Although `/fill` is perhaps overkill compared to the more basic method of using prison buckets to remove water or lava, the `/fill` command can produce cleaner and quick results, especially for water features.
5. Building staircases: The fill replacement tool is handy for gradually lowering the land level, for instance making staircases without having to place and remove individual blocks.

Building Structures

The /fill command has a countless number of uses, starting with the basics of creating block structures, buildings, and platforms. It is useful for creating duplications of sections or entire buildings you have designed elsewhere. You can then duplicate large parts of a building or group of buildings that have many of the same repeating elements or structures.

For example, if you have designed an office cubicle structure and want to copy-paste a row of identical office cubicles, the process is as easy as creating the first one and then copying as many copies as needed. Moving around will be impacted as it is not possible to simply paste it adjacent to the first one without first deleting that one. So if you want to keep the first one in place, then you will have to create all the copies far from the original, and only move them after creation. This will help you to easily move the entire section without having to individually select each office cubicle.

By filling a plan over an empty background using the /fill command in Minecraft, you can quickly and easily view building plans and make changes before beginning construction in a large area.

Clearing Landscapes

The /fill command in Minecraft is useful for quickly clearing landscape features such as walls and water zones you may encounter in order to facilitate a base, building, or other project. Walls are among the first items that can delay or stop a building project as a player needs to dig through them for clear spots to build. With the fill command you can quickly exchange walls for air blocks in order to build rooted and fully structurally supported rooms, basements, storage, bathrooms, dungeons, or crafting areas.

Along with walls, water zones have to be somehow cleared in order to build on the land they are in. Players can use implements such as sponges to remove large pools of water, but they have to strategically use multiple sponges to effectively eliminate every water block. If players have many zones of still or flowing water that needs to be removed, the Minecraft fill command is the most effective option. A fill command can have even the smallest radius of still water cleared within seconds to minutes, depending on its total area.

Check out this YouTube video showing use of the Minecraft `/fill` command to clear out an underwater area at `(142, 27, 241)` in base area 2 of the Hermitcraft Season 6 server by periodically moving the command point. The video creator PythonMC uses the command `/fill 142 27 241 142 17 241 water replace minecraft:water` to remove partial chunks of water at a time and `/fill 370 40 248 332 42 257 air replace water` to clear the rest.

Creating Custom Maps

The /fill command in Minecraft is useful for creating custom maps as it helps builders create zones and areas where interactive elements are learnt, so that these areas are distinctly marked off with barrier blocks. This means that without the barrier blocks, the built elements remain susceptible to deletion, and any part of the built area can be copied and contain that destruction. Overall, it could be useful for making custom parkour courses, dungeons, and other types of unique areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fill command in Minecraft?
The fill command in Minecraft is a useful tool that allows players to quickly fill large areas with blocks or other items.

How do I use the fill command in Minecraft?
To use the fill command in Minecraft, you first need to open the console or chat window by pressing the “/” key. Then, type in the command and press Enter to execute it.

What are the different variations of the fill command?
There are three main variations of the fill command in Minecraft: fill, fill replace, and fill destroy. Each one has a slightly different function and can be used for different purposes.

Can the fill command be used to replace blocks?
Yes, the fill replace command allows you to specify a specific block type that will be replaced with another block type in the designated area.

Is there a limit to the size of the area that can be filled using the fill command?
Yes, there is a limit to the size of the area that can be filled using the fill command. This limit is determined by the server’s settings and cannot be bypassed.

Can I use the fill command in multiplayer games?
Yes, the fill command can be used in multiplayer games, but it may require permission from the server owner or administrator. It is always best to check with them before using the fill command in a multiplayer setting.