Give a Knowledge Book

Get the hidden knowledge book that teaches crafting recipes. Run: /give @p knowledge_book[recipes=["minecraft:diamond_sword"]] 1. The knowledge book is an unobtainable item that, when used, unlocks the crafting recipes stored in its recipes component and consumes itself. Map makers use it to grant recipes as rewards. Without the recipes component the book does nothing, so list at least one recipe ID. Works on Java Edition 26.2. Last verified June 2026.

✅ Verified for Java 26.2 · Bedrock 26.32 — checked June 2026

/give @p knowledge_book[recipes=["minecraft:diamond_sword"]] 1

Java: yes
Bedrock: no
Command block: yes
Needs cheats / OP: yes

How to use

Paste the command — swap minecraft:diamond_sword for any recipe ID(s) you want it to unlock.
Press Enter; the green book appears in your inventory.
Right-click with it: the recipes unlock in the recipe book and the item vanishes.

Frequently asked questions

Does Give a Knowledge Book work on Bedrock Edition?

The knowledge book is Java Edition only — it doesn't exist in Bedrock.

Do you need OP or cheats enabled to use Give a Knowledge Book?

Yes — you need operator permissions (OP) on a server, or cheats enabled in your world settings (Java: open to LAN with cheats on; Bedrock: enable cheats in world settings).

Can Give a Knowledge Book be used in a command block?

Yes — paste the command into a command block and activate it with a button or redstone signal. Remove the leading slash when using a command block.

Who receives the item when you run Give a Knowledge Book?

The @p selector targets the nearest player (usually yourself in singleplayer). Replace @p with a specific player name to give the item to someone else.

How do I change the quantity given by Give a Knowledge Book?

Change the count number at the end of the command. The default is 1; the maximum stack size depends on the item.