How To Create Your Own Character In Minecraft

You can change your skin in "Minecraft" in both the "Bedrock" and "Java" editions of the game.
To change your "Minecraft" skin, you'll need to upload a compatible PNG image that you've either made or downloaded.
"Bedrock Edition" players can use the character creator tool for easy customization, and can also buy downloadable content.
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In many ways, "Minecraft" is all about customization. So you might be surprised when you launch the game and find that the cosmetics available to your protagonist are fairly limited.

But for the creatives who love the design and crafting aspects of "Minecraft," don't worry: In reality, your character's cosmetic choices are virtually limitless. For "Java" users, you can find or create a skin, upload it, and enjoy. And "Bedrock" users have that option and more through its character creator tool.

Here's how you can get your "Minecraft'' character's skin in both "Bedrock Edition" and "Java Edition."

How to get a new skin to use in 'Minecraft'

Before you can change your skin, you'll first need to have a new skin to change to.

The developers of "Minecraft" offer a few custom skins for free, usually created in honor of special events. You can also check out websites like The Skindex, which host user-created skins that you can download and use yourself.

There are thousands of different skins available for download.

If you're willing to put in the work though, you can make a skin yourself. Either edit the existing template using a program like Photoshop, or use a browser-based tool like the Minecraft Skin Editor.

Once you've got a compatible .PNG file, you can change your skin.

'Bedrock Edition's' special skin options

The "Bedrock" version of the game also offers an in-game skin creator, as well as paid skins made by Mojang and partners.

The in-game skin creator can be found in the "Edit Character" menu, which we'll show how to get to in the longer "Bedrock" section below. It gives a ton of color and style customization options for your skin, letting you edit each body part individually.

Some skin options in this menu will need to be unlocked first, either by earning achievements or by paying for them. You can use real money or Minecoins — which are purchased using real money — to buy skins.

A number of these premium skins are listed in the character creator, but you can find all of them by going back to the main menu and clicking "Marketplace." There's also an online store you can get to through your web browser.

Emma Witman is an Asheville, NC-based freelance journalist with a keen interest in writing about hardware, PC gaming, politics, and personal finance. She is a former crime reporter for a daily newspaper, and has also written extensively about bartending for Insider. She may or may not judge your drink order when behind the bar. Follow her on Twitter at @emwity.