Why Your Command Block Export Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)
This troubleshooting guide is for people who use ImageToPixelApp and export pixel art as Command Block output. It focuses on the common failure points: paste limits, multi-page runs, clearing commands, version/facing mismatches, and partial builds.
Fast Checks (30 Seconds)
- You’re using Java Edition (the export UI targets Java versions).
- You selected the correct Minecraft Version in the Export panel.
- You’re running pages in order (Page 1 → Page 2 → …).
- You’re building in an empty area (clearing commands can destroy builds).
Safer Default Setup
- Test in a creative world first.
- Stay near the build while running pages (keep chunks loaded).
- If you want fewer risks, export .schematic (WorldEdit) instead.
1) “I Can’t Paste the Command” / “It Gets Cut Off”
Some pages can exceed Minecraft’s input limits. If pasting fails or the command is truncated, the page is too long.
Fix
- In ImageToPixelApp → Settings: reduce image width/height (smaller build = fewer commands).
- In ImageToPixelApp → Settings: reduce palette complexity (fewer blocks/colors, especially in Custom).
- Switch export method: .mcfunction (better for long text) or .schematic (WorldEdit).
2) “Nothing Happens” When I Trigger the Command Block
What to check
- Commands are enabled (Creative + cheats, or server permission).
- On servers/realms: command blocks might be disabled even if you can use chat commands.
- Your exporter Minecraft Version matches your actual game version.
Fix
- Try the same export in a single-player creative test world to isolate permission issues.
- Change the Export panel Minecraft Version, reconvert, and try again.
- Quick sanity test: put
/say testin a command block to confirm your trigger setup works.
3) “It Clears Blocks I Didn’t Want to Delete”
Commands to Delete are the clearing commands used to prepare the build area. They usually
include lines like fill ... minecraft:air, which replace every block in a box with air.
Fix (safe workflow)
- Run exports only in an empty area or a test world.
- Before running Page 1, treat Commands to Delete as “the exact box that will be cleared.”
-
If you are not sure about the size, do a preview run:
- Stand at the spot where you plan to run Page 1.
- Copy each
fillline from Commands to Delete and run it in chat, but replaceminecraft:airwithminecraft:glass. - If the glass box overlaps anything important, move to a new empty location and reconvert.
fill lines with minecraft:air.
4) “The Build Is Rotated / Mirrored”
This is almost always a facing issue. The export depends on Spawn Towards.
Fix
- Change Spawn Towards, reconvert, then re-run from Page 1 (do not continue mid-way).
5) “It Only Builds Part of the Image”
Common causes
- Not all pages were executed (skipped pages = missing chunks of the build).
- Chunks unloaded while you ran pages (you were too far away).
- The game/server lagged hard and commands didn’t finish cleanly.
Fix
- Run pages in order. After triggering a page, wait until the build stops changing before going to the next page.
- Stay near the build area so chunks remain loaded.
- If the build is very large, reduce size/palette or switch to .schematic or .mcfunction.
6) “It Looks Wrong After I Change Something”
If you change image size, palette, version, or facing after exporting, you must reconvert and restart from Page 1.
- In the Export panel, click the reconvert prompt (if shown), then copy Page 1 again.
- Do not mix pages from different exports.
7) When You Should NOT Use Command Block Export
- Very large builds: use .schematic (WorldEdit) for reliability and easier placement.
- Long text pages / paste failures: use .mcfunction.
- You only need materials: use Amounts of Blocks.