How do you use the fill command in Minecraft?

Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to build large structures quickly using commands instead of placing blocks manually.


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Basic Fill Command Syntax

The fill command in Minecraft follows this structure: /fill <from> <to> <block> [destroy|hollow|keep|outline|replace]. You’ll need to specify two coordinates that define opposite corners of the area you want to fill, followed by the block type you want to place.

Setting Up Your Coordinates

Before using fill, you need to determine your target area. Press F3 (or Fn+F3 on some keyboards) to see your current coordinates. The easiest approach is to stand at one corner of your desired area, note those coordinates, then move to the opposite corner and record those too.

For example, if you want to fill a 5x5x5 cube starting at coordinates 10, 64, 10, your command would look like: /fill 10 64 10 15 69 15 stone

Understanding Fill Modes

The fill command offers several modes that change how blocks are placed:

  • Replace (default): Overwrites all blocks in the area
  • Destroy: Breaks existing blocks and drops them as items
  • Keep: Only fills air blocks, leaving existing blocks untouched
  • Hollow: Creates a hollow structure with only the outer walls
  • Outline: Places blocks only on the edges, creating a wireframe effect

Practical Examples

Here are some common scenarios where fill proves incredibly useful:

Building a foundation: /fill ~-10 ~-1 ~-10 ~10 ~-1 ~10 cobblestone creates a 21×21 stone platform beneath your feet.

Clearing water: /fill 100 60 100 120 70 120 air replace water removes all water blocks in the specified area.

Creating walls: /fill 0 64 0 0 74 20 brick_block builds a vertical wall 11 blocks high and 21 blocks long.

Tips for Efficient Building

Use relative coordinates (starting with ~) when you want to fill areas relative to your current position. This saves time calculating exact coordinates. For large projects, work in sections to avoid hitting the command’s 32,768 block limit per execution.

Always double-check your coordinates before executing, especially when using destroy mode. Consider using keep mode when adding details to existing structures to avoid accidentally overwriting important blocks.

The fill command transforms tedious block-by-block building into instant construction, making it perfect for anyone looking to create impressive structures quickly in their Minecraft adventures.

TL;DR

Use /fill with two coordinates and a block type to instantly place blocks in rectangular areas. Add modes like hollow or keep for different placement behaviors.

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Joyst1ck

Gaming Writer & HTML5 Developer

Answering gaming questions—from Roblox and Minecraft to the latest indie hits. I write developer‑focused HTML5 articles and share practical tips on game design, monetisation, and scripting.

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