
Glowing Tools
Adds glowing tools so you don't have to unequip your shield or use a fullbright mod to see while you're busy mining in caves! Works with shaders (tested with BSL and Complementary on Iris)! Requires LambDynamicLights!
Screenshots






About this Mod
Glowing Tools
Adds glowing tools so you don't have to unequip your shield or use a fullbright mod to see while you're busy mining in caves! Works with shaders (tested with BSL and Complementary on Iris)!
Requires LambDynamicLights / DynamicLights Reforged!
Instructions
- Acquire any compatible tool (any vanilla tool)
- Craft a torch
- Combine the torch with the tool in the crafting grid to get a glowing tool (Bug: resets item data!)
- Glowing diamond tools can be upgraded to glowing netherite tools in the smithing table
- Durability, enchantments etc. work exactly as on their vanilla counterpart
- Hold the item to lighten up your environment
- Place a torch from your inventory by sneaking and right-clicking on a block
- Pick up a torch by sneak right-clicking on a torch using any tool (vanilla tools get turned into glowing tools)
Known Issues
- Durability, custom names and enchantments get reset on craft
- Custom names get reset when placing torches or picking them up
- Legacy items look like normal tools because of the durability bar. (Won't fix)
- Torches only placeable on solid blocks (expected behavior for now)
Translations
Currently translated:
- English (US)
- Lolcat
- Chinese (contributed by @oritong)
Help with translations would be very appreciated!
Requirements
Fabric
- Fabric Loader and API
- LambDynamicLights
Forge
- Forge
- DynamicLights Reforged
Gallery





Legacy Textures
There is a legacy resource pack included, if you prefer a rather subtle texture instead of a torch on the tool.



Available Versions
How to Install Glowing Tools on Your Server
Order Server
Order a Minecraft Java server with at least 3 GB RAM (4 GB recommended).
Set fabric Loader
In the panel under "Egg", select the fabric loader and matching Minecraft version (1.20.4).
Install Mod
Open the mod browser in the dashboard and search for "Glowing Tools". Click "Install" – done! Alternatively, upload the .jar via SFTP to the /mods folder.
Compatibility
Mod Loaders
Minecraft Versions
1.20.4, 1.20.2, 1.20.1 (+1 more)
Server-side
✓ RequiredRecommended RAM
4 GB(min. 3 GB)Frequently Asked Questions
Glowing Tools server crashes on startup – what to do?
Most common cause: wrong fabric version or insufficient RAM. Check the server log (latest.log) for "OutOfMemoryError" or "Mixin" errors. With Mado Hosting: ensure at least 3 GB RAM is allocated and the loader matches the mod version (1.20.4). You can switch loaders with one click in the panel.
Is Glowing Tools compatible with fabric and forge?
Glowing Tools officially supports fabric, forge for Minecraft 1.20.4, 1.20.2, 1.20.1. Note: Forge and Fabric mods are NOT cross-compatible – pick one loader and stick with it. The Mado dashboard automatically detects incompatible loader combinations.
Server lagging with Glowing Tools – how to optimize performance?
Recommended RAM: 4 GB (per 8 players). Use /spark profiler to check if Glowing Tools consumes the most tick time. Common fixes: reduce server view-distance to 8-10, install "performant" or "starlight" as supplementary mods on Forge. With Mado Hosting, your server runs on NVMe SSDs with dedicated CPU cores for minimal latency.
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Rent Modded Server
Install Glowing Tools with just one click on your server.