Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Barriers, Light Blocks and Structure Voids in Minecraft
Barriers, light blocks and structure voids are invisible blocks for map makers, only available with commands or, on Java, in the Operator Items tab with cheats on. Barriers are unbreakable invisible walls, light blocks give invisible light from level 0 to 15, and structure voids mark spots that a structure block should not overwrite.
What is a barrier block?
An invisible, solid block that cannot be broken in Survival or pushed by pistons, used to wall off areas without changing how a map looks. In Creative, hold one to see placed barriers as a red no-entry icon. They can be waterlogged. Get one with /give @s barrier. Java's debug world uses barriers as its floor; see world types.
What is a light block?
An invisible block that gives light of any level from 0 to 15, set on the item. It has no hitbox unless you hold a light block, so mobs and players pass through it. Use it to light builds without torches; see light levels. Get one with /give @s light on Java (light_block on Bedrock).
What is a structure void?
An invisible marker that structure blocks skip when saving, so when you load the structure somewhere else, the blocks at those spots stay as they were. Useful for structures that should blend into terrain. See structure blocks.
How do you get these blocks?
With /give or /setblock in a world with cheats. On Java, turn on Operator Items Tab in the controls options to find them in the Creative inventory. They cannot be crafted or found. Commands: /give and command blocks.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get a barrier block?
Use /give @s barrier with cheats on.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.