How to Make Paper in Minecraft

Discover how to make paper in Minecraft: A guide to finding sugarcane, crafting paper efficiently, and using it for maps, books, and villager trades.

In the world of Minecraft, paper is more than just a simple item - it’s a versatile resource that opens up numerous crafting possibilities. Whether you’re looking to create maps, books, or trade with villagers, understanding how to efficiently produce paper can significantly enhance your gameplay.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps of paper production, from locating sugarcane to mastering the crafting process. We’ll cover practical techniques, strategic farming methods, and the various uses of paper that can give you an edge in your Minecraft adventures.

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How to Make Paper in 3 Easy Steps

Materials Needed to Make Paper

3 Sugarcane

Step 1: Find Sugarcane

Look for sugarcane growing next to water sources, such as rivers or oceans. Sugarcane typically grows in three-block-high clusters near water.

Step 2: Harvest Sugarcane

Break the bottom two blocks of the sugarcane, leaving the top block to regrow. This allows for sustainable farming.

Step 3: Crafting Paper

Open a crafting table
Place 3 sugarcane in a single row (either horizontally in the top, middle, or bottom row)
This will produce 3 pieces of paper each time you craft

Pro Tips for Making Paper

Create a sugarcane farm near water to ensure a constant supply
After you make paper you can use it for many crafting recipes like maps, books, enchantment tables, and more
You can trade 24 sheets of paper with village librarians or cartographers for an emerald

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find sugarcane quickly in Minecraft?

Best locations:

Desert biomes (highest spawn rate)
Coastlines and riversides
Swamps (secondary high-spawn area)

To find sugarcane quickly:

Walk along water edges
Explore near oceans and rivers
Check sandy or grassy terrain adjacent to the water
Sugarcane is generated in most Overworld biomes, with deserts having 50 extra generation attempts

What to look for:

Look for green stalks growing vertically next to the water
Sugarcane can grow 1-4 blocks tall
Can be found on dirt, grass, sand, and red sandblocks

How do I trade paper with villagers in Minecraft?

1. Find a Cartographer or Librarian Villager

Cartographer offers a trade where you can exchange paper for emeralds at the Novice level. They wear white robes and work at a cartography table.
Librarians may also offer a paper trade at the Novice level. They are identified by their white robes and glasses and work at a lectern.

2. Prepare Paper

Craft paper using 3 sugarcane placed in a horizontal row on a crafting table.
Ensure you have a large supply of paper, as trades often require multiple sheets (e.g., 24 paper for 1 emerald).

3. Locate a Village

Find a village with active villagers.
If no cartographers or librarians are present, you can assign these professions by placing the appropriate workstation (cartography table or lectern) near an unemployed villager.

4. Initiate the Trade

Right-click on the villager to open the trading interface.
Look for the paper trade in the list of available trades (it will appear as “X Paper → 1 Emerald”).
Drag the required amount of paper into the trade slot and collect your emeralds.

5. Level Up the Villager (Optional)

Completing trades with a villager increases their experience and levels them up, unlocking new trades.
Cartographers, for example, may later offer explorer maps to locate Woodland Mansions or Ocean Monuments.