EntitiesJavaBedrock

/summon

Creates a new entity of the given type at the specified coordinates, with an optional NBT compound for initial state (custom name, equipment, behaviors).

What is /summon used for?

What /summon is for

Spawns an entity at a position, with optional NBT to preset its health, custom name, equipment, AI flags, passengers, and more.

When to use /summon

Build custom mobs and bosses, place armor stands and item displays for maps, stack riders, or trigger effects like lightning bolts and fireworks on demand.

Common /summon patterns

Summon falling_block or tnt for traps, area_effect_cloud for lingering effects, and add {NoAI:1b} to freeze a mob in place for decoration.

Syntax

Parameters

entity: entity ID; Namespaced entity ID, e.g. minecraft:enderman.
x y zoptional: block coords; Spawn position. Defaults to executor's position.
nbtoptional: NBT; Optional compound: CustomName, NoAI, Invulnerable, etc.

/summon command generator

Configure the options below to generate a ready-to-paste /summon command.

Entity

Custom nameShown above the mob's head.

Health overrideSet base HP. Leave blank for default.

Behavior flags

NoAI

Disables movement & behavior. Mob stands still.

Invulnerable

Immune to all damage except creative-mode breaks.

Silent

Mob makes no sound effects.

No gravity

Floats in place; ignores gravity.

Glowing

Has the glow outline (visible through walls).

Persistent

Won't despawn naturally.

Spawned at ~ ~ ~ — replace with absolute coords for a fixed location.

Examples

Spawn a creeper at your position.
Spawn a non-AI Enderman named Bob at your position.
Strike the nearest player with lightning. /summon's <pos> only accepts coordinates, so wrap with /execute at to target an entity.

Common questions

How do I summon a mob in Minecraft?

Use /summon <mob_id> [<x> <y> <z>]. For example, /summon minecraft:ender_dragon ~ ~ ~ spawns an Ender Dragon at your feet. Cheats must be enabled.

How do I make a mob not despawn?

Spawn it with PersistenceRequired:1b in the NBT: /summon minecraft:zombie ~ ~ ~ {PersistenceRequired:1b}. Mobs with this flag stay loaded indefinitely.

Permission level

/summon requires Cheats (op level 2). In single-player you need the world's "Allow Cheats" toggle on. On a multiplayer server you need to be opped — see /op.