What you need
All four are required. The fifth is optional and only unlocks live sync.
| Dependency | Version | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | 26.2 | Built against 26.2's client API, which differs from 1.21.x. |
| Java | 25+ | Required by Minecraft 26.2 itself. |
| Fabric Loader | 0.19.3+ | Loads the mod and applies its mixins. |
| Fabric API | 0.158.0+26.2 | Key mappings, client lifecycle and networking. |
| Simple Skin (server) | optional | The same jar, server-side. Unlocks live sync. |
Getting it running
Install Fabric for Minecraft 26.2
Run the Fabric installer, choose 26.2, then start the game once so the mods folder appears.
Drop in Fabric API
Download Fabric API for 26.2 into .minecraft/mods.
Add Simple Skin
Put the Simple Skin jar in the same folder.
Launch and press K
Join a world and press K. Rebind it under Options → Controls → Simple Skin.
Optional: the server too
The same jar server-side (with Fabric Loader and API) unlocks live sync for everyone who has the mod.
Driving the mod
Wear a skin
K → Change Skin → Equip. It shows on your screen at once, then travels by whichever route is available.
Take someone's skin
Open Steal Skin, then Equip or Save. For someone off the server, type their username.
Bind a hotkey
A skin's ⚙ → Quick equip → press the key. Backspace clears, Esc cancels.
Choose who sees it
Visibility cycles Only me, Upload to profile, and Upload + rejoin. The badge top-right shows the current one.
Import a PNG
Import PNG in the library, or drop files into .minecraft/config/simple-skin/import.
Edit a skin
Settings → Edit skin: remove layers, swap a head, or replace a colour. Save writes a new entry.
Shuffle and rotate
Shuffle equips a random saved skin. Bind its hotkey, or set a rotation timer.
Pick a cape
Settings → Cape → Pick cape lists the capes your account owns.
Where your files live
Everything stays inside your Minecraft folder.
config/simple-skin/skins.json— library metadata and settingsconfig/simple-skin/skins/— stored skin PNGsconfig/simple-skin/import/— drop PNGs here to import themsimple-skin/exports/— where Export PNG writes