Can I switch between Bedrock and Java and keep my world/progress?

Wondering if you can move a world between Bedrock and Java and keep everything? Because the two editions store worlds differently, a direct switch isn't lossless — but there's usually a better option than converting.

Why a direct switch loses data

Bedrock and Java use incompatible world formats, so you can't directly move a world between them and keep everything. A third-party converter does a best-effort job, but with losses.

The better option: crossplay

If your goal is letting both editions play together, don't convert — run Java + Geyser/Floodgate (crossplay) instead. One Java world then serves everyone.

1. Keep your world on a Java server.
2. Add Geyser/Floodgate for crossplay.
3. Bedrock players connect to the same world — no conversion, no second server.
4. See the crossplay answers for the full setup.

Tip: Conversion is only worth it if you're permanently leaving one edition — for playing together, crossplay keeps a single world intact.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep all my progress switching Bedrock ↔ Java? Not fully — the formats are incompatible, and converters lose some data.

What if I just want both editions to play together? Run Java + Geyser/Floodgate so one Java world serves everyone, no conversion needed.