Pixel art illustration of a written book in chunky voxel game style

Minecraft Java Item ID

Written Book ID

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.

✓ Verified for Java Edition 1.21.11

Namespaced item ID minecraft:written_book

Written Book Item Facts

CategoryMiscellaneous

Maximum stack16

Available inSurvival and Creative

Historical numerical ID387

Historical numerical ID: Reviewed for Java Edition 1.12.2 and earlier.

Give Command for Written Book

Copy the current Java Edition command, or open the generator to change the player and quantity.

/give @p minecraft:written_book 1

Customize this command →

Historical command for Java 1.12.2 and earlier

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.

Prefer commands? Jump back to the give command matrix above to get Written Book instantly.

About Written Book in Minecraft

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.

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.