How to Use the EntityData Command in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to use the /entitydata command with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

You can change the data tag for an entity using the /entitydata command in Minecraft. The /entitydata command is most useful for changing attributes of a mob after the mob has spawned or modifying attributes of an item after you have placed it.

TIP: Starting in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.13, the /entitydata command was replaced by the /data command.

Let's explore how to use this cheat (game command).

Supported Platforms

The /entitydata command is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

PlatformSupported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Java Edition (PC/Mac)Yes (1.8), but removed in (1.13)
Pocket Edition (PE) Pocket Edition (PE)No
Xbox 360 Xbox 360No
Xbox One Xbox OneNo
PS3 PS3No
PS4 PS4No
Wii U Wii UNo
Nintendo Switch Nintendo SwitchNo
Windows 10 Edition Windows 10 EditionNo
Education Edition Education EditionNo

* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
NOTE: Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now called Bedrock Edition. We will continue to show them individually for version history.

Requirements

To run game commands in Minecraft, you have to turn cheats on in your world.

EntityData Command

Examples

How to Enter the Command

1. Open the Chat Window

The easiest way to run a command in Minecraft is within the chat window. The game control to open the chat window depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), press the T key to open the chat window.

2. Type the Command

We will cover examples of how to use the /entitydata command to name all of the cows in a herd or to show arms on an armor stand.

Add a Custom Name to all Cows

Let's start by giving a custom name to all the cows in our herd. In this example, we will name all of our cows Duke that are within 10 blocks of us. This should give a name to all of the cows in our fenced corral.

To do this, we would type the following command in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.10:

/entitydata @e[type=Cow,r=10] {CustomName:Duke}

Type the command in the chat window. As you are typing, you will see the command appear in the lower left corner of the game window. Press the Enter key to run the command.

entitydata command

Once the cheat has been entered, the names of all cows within 10 blocks of us will be given a custom name of Duke.

completed entitydata command

Now when you position your pointer on any of the cows in your corral, the name of the cow will appear above it. In this case, you should see Duke above the cow's head.

Any cows outside of the 10 block radius and any new cows that spawn will not be named Duke.

Show Arms on an Armor Stand

You can also use the /entitydata command to show arms on an armor stand after the armor stand has been placed.

To do this, we would type in the following command in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.10:

/entitydata @e[type=ArmorStand,r=5] {ShowArms:1}

Type the command in the chat window and press the Enter key to run the command.

show arms on armor stand

Once the cheat has been entered, the appearance of the armor stand will change.

completed show arms on armor stand

Now all armor stands within 5 blocks of you will have arms showing.

As you can see, the possibilities for the /entitydata command are endless. Give it a try and see what amazing things you can do to the entities in the game.

Congratulations, you have learned how to use the /entitydata command in Minecraft.

Other EntityData Commands

Here are some other entitydata commands that you can try in Minecraft: