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Minecraft Skin Format Explained

How Minecraft skins work: file dimensions, overlay layers, and player models.

64x64 vs Legacy 64x32

Modern Minecraft skins use a 64x64 pixel PNG image. This format was introduced in Minecraft 1.8 and supports overlay layers on all body parts (head, body, arms, and legs).

The older 64x32 pixel format (pre-1.8) is still supported but only includes overlay layers for the head (hat layer). The bottom half of the image simply did not exist, so legs and arms shared textures from one side.

Map of a 64 by 64 Minecraft skin file, with the head, hat layer, body, jacket, arms, sleeves, legs and trousers marked in their own colour and the eight pixel grid drawn over it
The 64 by 64 layout. Every box has six faces, and the paler blocks are the overlay layers.
Map of the legacy 64 by 32 Minecraft skin file, which holds only the head, hat layer, body, one arm and one leg, with the lower half of the image missing
The legacy 64 by 32 layout. One arm and one leg are stored, and the game mirrors them.
Feature64x64 (Modern)64x32 (Legacy)
Dimensions64 x 64 pixels64 x 32 pixels
Head overlayYesYes
Body overlayYesNo
Arm overlaysYes (both arms)No
Leg overlaysYes (both legs)No
Unique left/rightYesNo (mirrored)
Alex modelSupportedNot supported

Steve vs Alex Models

Minecraft has two player models that differ in arm width:

The same Minecraft skin rendered on both player models side by side, the Steve model with four pixel wide arms next to the Alex model with three pixel wide arms
The same skin file on both models. Only the arms change width; every other box is identical.

Steve Model (Classic)

  • 4-pixel wide arms
  • The original and default model
  • Slightly broader, blockier appearance
  • Arm texture area: 4x12x4 pixels

Alex Model (Slim)

  • 3-pixel wide arms
  • Added in Minecraft 1.8
  • Slimmer, more refined look
  • Arm texture area: 3x12x4 pixels

When uploading a skin through the Minecraft Launcher, you must select the correct model (Classic or Slim). Using a Steve skin on the Alex model or vice versa will cause visual artifacts on the arms.

Overlay Layers

Each body part has two layers: a base layer and an overlay layer. The overlay layer floats slightly outside the base layer and can be used for accessories like hats, jackets, sleeves, or pants details.

The same rendered Minecraft head twice: on the left only the base layer, on the right the same head with a red and gold hat layer drawn on the second layer
The hat layer sits half a pixel outside the head, so it shows up as a cap rather than replacing the face.
Body PartBase LayerOverlay Layer
HeadHead texture (face, ears, etc.)Hat / hair overlay
BodyTorso / shirtJacket / vest layer
Right ArmBare arm / sleeveSleeve detail overlay
Left ArmBare arm / sleeveSleeve detail overlay
Right LegPants / leg basePants detail overlay
Left LegPants / leg basePants detail overlay

Overlay pixels can be fully transparent to show the base layer beneath, and since Java Edition 1.9 they can also be partly see-through. The base layer works differently: Java Edition draws every base layer pixel fully opaque, whatever alpha the file gives it. Bedrock Edition hides any pixel with an alpha of 25 or less, on either layer.

File Requirements

  • 1.File format must be PNG (no JPEG, GIF, or other formats)
  • 2.Dimensions must be exactly 64x64 or 64x32 pixels, and Bedrock Edition also accepts 128x128
  • 3.The file itself doesn't say which arm width it has: you choose classic (4 pixel arms) or slim (3 pixel arms) when you upload it
  • 4.In Java Edition transparency only works on the overlay layer; the base layer is always drawn opaque
  • 5.Unused areas of the skin template should be transparent or left as-is

Related Guides

How to Change Your Skin

Step-by-step for Java, Bedrock, and console

How to Make Custom Skins

Tools, tips, and techniques