How to Trim Your Minecraft World to Reduce File Size

Learn how to remove unused chunks from your world to reduce disk usage and improve performance.

Over time, Minecraft worlds grow as players explore. Trimming removes chunks that have barely been visited, reducing file size and allowing new terrain to generate with updated features after Minecraft updates.

Install MCA Selector

Download MCA Selector from GitHub (requires Java). Open the application.

Open your world

Go to File → Open and select your downloaded world's region folder.

Filter and select chunks

Go to Tools → Filter Chunks. Useful filters:

FilterValueEffect
InhabitedTime< 1 minuteSelect barely-visited chunks
Timestamp< [date]Select chunks generated before a date
xPos, zPosRange valuesSelect chunks in a geographic area

Delete selected chunks

Select All → Delete Selected Chunks. These chunks will regenerate with current world generation when explored again.

Re-upload the world

Upload the trimmed world back to your server via Files.

Method 2: WorldBorder Plugin

Install WorldBorder

Upload the WorldBorder plugin to /plugins/ via Files and restart.

Set a border

In Console:

wb world set 5000 0 0

Trim outside the border

wb world trim

This deletes all chunks outside the border.

💡 Tip: Trim your world before major Minecraft updates to get new terrain features in previously-explored-but-barely-used areas.

⚠️ Warning: Trimmed chunks are permanently deleted. Always back up via Backups before trimming.

See also: Add World Border | Reset Chunks

If you need help, join our Discord.

How is this guide?

40% Off — Limited TimeGet your Minecraft server todayInstant setup, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support included.
Get a Server

On this page