The written book is a signed, finalized book and quill whose text can no longer be edited. It can be copied, sold by librarian villagers, and displayed on lecterns.
Modern namespaced IDs are recommended. This numerical form is only for old Java releases.
/give @p 387 1
Give command syntax by version
Java 1.13+
/give @p minecraft:written_book 1
Namespaced ID (current format)
Java 1.8–1.12.2
/give @p 387 1 0
Numerical ID + data value
Rows appear only when the underlying value is verified: the Java 1.8–1.12.2 row requires a reviewed historical numerical ID, and the Bedrock row appears only when this exact namespaced ID exists in the Bedrock registry.
How to Get Written Book
Finding Written Book
Written Book cannot be crafted at a crafting table. It must be obtained through normal gameplay.
Written Book in Minecraft: Signing, Sharing, and Selling Books
Quick answer: Use minecraft:written_book in Java Edition commands. A written book is created by signing a book and quill, which locks its text forever; display it on a lectern, copy it, trade it to librarians, or use it for server rules and stories.
From book and quill to written book
Craft a book and quill from a book, an ink sac, and a feather, write up to 100 pages of text, then press sign and choose a title. Signing is permanent: the text can never be edited again and the item becomes a written book.
Write first in a notes tool if the text matters, because there is no undo after signing. Formatting codes with the section sign do not work in vanilla books, so layout comes from line breaks and page breaks alone.
Made by signing a book and quill, title and author attached.
Text is locked permanently after signing.
Copy written books by crafting them with book and quills.
What written books are for
On multiplayer servers, written books serve as rulebooks, quest text, shop catalogs, and lore drops; placed on a lectern, many players can read the same copy. Adventure maps use them for narrative and instructions.
Librarian villagers buy written books for emeralds, which gives written books a small trading niche, and signed books stack, so a single original can seed an entire in-game publishing operation.
Written Book Command Examples
Give 1 to nearest player: /give @p minecraft:written_book 1
Give 1 to yourself: /give @s minecraft:written_book 1
Give to a specific player: /give PlayerName minecraft:written_book 1
Clear from inventory: /clear @p minecraft:written_book
Written Book FAQ
What is the item ID for Written Book?
The item ID for Written Book is minecraft:written_book. Java Edition commands such as /give, /clear, and /setblock use this namespaced ID.
What is the numerical ID for Written Book?
Written Book has the historical numerical ID 387, used in Java Edition 1.12.2 and earlier. Current versions use minecraft:written_book instead.
How do I give myself Written Book in Minecraft?
Open the chat window and run /give @p minecraft:written_book 1 to give the nearest player one Written Book. Replace @p with a player name to target someone else.
How many Written Book can stack in one slot?
Written Book stacks up to 16 per inventory slot.
How do you make a written book?
Craft a book and quill from one book, one ink sac, and one feather, write your text, then click sign and enter a title. Signing converts it into a written book and locks the content forever.
Can you edit a written book after signing?
No. Signing is final in Java Edition; the text, title, and author can never be changed. If you need a revision, copy the original before signing, or write the new version in a fresh book and quill.
Can you copy a written book?
Yes. Craft a written book together with one or more book and quills to create copies marked as copy of the original. Copies of copies cannot be duplicated further, so keep the master signed book safe.
Sources and Data Review
Item facts were reviewed for Java Edition 1.21.11 on .
