Guide: How to use Minecraft with Java 8 on Mac

Running Minecraft on Mac has always been tricky, due to the confusion between using Apple's outdated Java 6 and Oracle's official Java 8. Playing Minecraft with Java 8 instead of the older 7 and 6 versions can lead to higher FPS and less glitches.

Until Mojang finishes their new launcher for Mac (that comes with it's own copy of Java), I've created this guide that lets you play Minecraft using Java 8:

1. First, download the latest Java web plugin from here.


2. Now download the Minecraft.jar file from here (that's a direct link to the file on Minecraft's website). Move the jar file to your home folder.


3. Open the Automator app in your Applications folder. Choose the application type.


4. On the left sidebar, select Utilities (under 'Library'). Then drag the 'Run Shell Script' into the workflow.


5. Copy and paste "/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin/Contents/Home/bin/java" -d64 -jar ~/minecraft.jar -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M (with the quotes) in the big text box.


6. Click the big Run button on the top left of Automator to try it out. If it works, Minecraft will open using Java 8. When you know it works, close the window.


7. Back in Automator, go to the File > Save menu and save it with the name 'Minecraft'. You can save it wherever you want, but I saved it in the Applications folder.

PRO TIP: If you want to change how much memory Minecraft can use, change the number 1024 in both places of the command to how much RAM you want to use in megabytes (for example, 1GB of RAM = 1024 MB).

You now have Minecraft using Java 8 in your Applications folder! If you update the Java plugin, Minecraft will automatically use the updated java version, so you don't have to change anything. Enjoy!