How To Make An Inventory Menu In Forge

2 min read 29-12-2024

This guide outlines the process of creating a custom inventory menu in Minecraft Forge modding. We'll cover the fundamental steps, assuming a basic understanding of Java and Forge development. This is not an exhaustive tutorial, but rather a starting point for more advanced exploration.

Setting Up Your Project

Before we begin, ensure you have a working Forge development environment set up. This includes the Forge MDK (Mod Development Kit), a suitable IDE (like IntelliJ IDEA), and a basic understanding of Java and Minecraft modding concepts.

Core Components

Creating a custom inventory menu involves several key components:

1. The Container

This is the backend logic that manages the items in your inventory. It extends Container and handles item interactions. You'll need to define the slots (where items can be placed) and their behavior.

// Example Container Class
public class CustomInventoryContainer extends Container {

    public CustomInventoryContainer(int id, PlayerInventory playerInventory, IInventory inventory) {
        // ... Add slot definitions here ...
    }

    // ... Add methods for slot handling, etc. ...

}

2. The Screen

This is the visual representation of your inventory. It extends Screen and draws the GUI elements using the Minecraft rendering system.

// Example Screen Class
public class CustomInventoryScreen extends Screen {

    private final CustomInventoryContainer container;

    public CustomInventoryScreen(CustomInventoryContainer container) {
        this.container = container;
    }

    @Override
    protected void drawGuiContainerBackgroundLayer(float partialTicks, int mouseX, int mouseY) {
        // ... Draw background using Minecraft's rendering system ...
    }

    // ... Add methods for drawing items, buttons, etc. ...

}

3. Registering the Container and Screen

You need to register your custom container and screen with Forge to make them accessible within the game. This is usually done within your main mod class.

// Example Registration in your Mod Class
public class MyMod {

    @SubscribeEvent
    public void registerContainers(RegistryEvent.Register<ContainerType<?>> event) {
        event.getRegistry().register(ContainerType.create(CustomInventoryContainer::new).setRegistryName(new ResourceLocation("mymod", "custom_inventory")));
    }

    @SubscribeEvent
    public void registerScreens(RegistryEvent.Register<ScreenType<?>> event) {
        event.getRegistry().register(ScreenType.create(CustomInventoryScreen::new).setRegistryName(new ResourceLocation("mymod", "custom_inventory_screen")));
    }

}

Remember to replace "mymod" with your mod's ID.

Handling Item Interactions

Implement methods within your Container class to handle item interactions, such as dragging, dropping, and clicking. These methods will determine how items behave within your custom inventory.

Advanced Features

Once you have the basics working, you can add more advanced features, such as:

Custom item rendering
Animated elements
Integration with other mods
Custom buttons and controls

Conclusion

Creating a custom inventory menu in Forge involves careful planning and implementation of several interacting components. This guide provides a foundational understanding to get you started. Remember to consult the Forge documentation and other resources for more detailed information and advanced techniques. Thorough testing is crucial to ensure your inventory functions correctly and seamlessly integrates with the rest of the game.