# How to make a portal to a new dimension in Minecraft

> Vanilla Minecraft has two dimension portals: an obsidian Nether portal and the End portal. Custom dimensions need mods or data packs, not a book.

You can't make a brand-new dimension in vanilla Minecraft: the only portals lead to the Nether, through an obsidian frame you light with fire, and to the End, through the End portal in a stronghold. Custom dimensions need mods, data packs (Java Edition) or a server plugin. The popular book-and-quill portal trick worked only in a 2020 April Fools' snapshot.

## How to make a Nether portal

1. **Get obsidian:** at least 10 blocks (14 with corners). Mine it with a diamond or netherite pickaxe, or form it by pouring water onto lava.
2. **Build the frame:** 4 blocks wide and 5 tall, with an open 2 × 3 interior. Corners are optional. Frames can be as large as 23 × 23.
3. **Light it:** use flint and steel or a fire charge on the inside of the frame.
4. **Step in** and wait a few seconds to travel to the Nether.

Each block traveled in the Nether equals 8 blocks in the Overworld, which makes Nether portals useful for fast travel.

## How to reach the End

1. Craft eyes of ender from ender pearls and blaze powder.
2. Throw them to locate a stronghold, then find the portal room.
3. Place eyes in all 12 frames to activate the End portal.

After you defeat the Ender Dragon, End gateway portals appear, which lead to the outer End islands.

## Portals to modded dimensions

- **The Aether:** build a glowstone frame and activate it with a water bucket.
- **Twilight Forest:** surround a 2 × 2 pool of water with flowers and throw a diamond into it.

Custom dimensions in Java Edition can also be added with data packs.

## FAQ

**How do you make a custom dimension in Minecraft?**
Install a mod that adds one, such as the Aether or Twilight Forest, or use a data pack in Java Edition. Bedrock Edition without add-ons has only the Overworld, the Nether and the End.

**Can you make a Nether portal without diamonds?**
Yes. Make obsidian by pouring water over a lava source, either in place in the frame shape or by casting each block.

**Does the book and quill portal trick work?**
No. Throwing a book with text into a Nether portal to generate a new dimension only worked in the 2020 April Fools' snapshot 20w14∞, not in the released game.

**How big can a Nether portal be?**
The smallest interior is 2 × 3 blocks, and the largest frame is 23 × 23.

---
https://gamevoyages.com/how-do-you-make-a-portal-to-a-new-dimension-in-minecraft/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-31