How to Enchant in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Craft an enchanting table (4 obsidian + 2 diamonds + 1 book), surround it with up to 15 bookshelves leaving a one-block gap, place the item inside with 1-3 lapis lazuli, and pick one of three random enchantments costing up to 30 XP levels.

What you need

Enchanting table
15 bookshelves for max level
Lapis lazuli
XP levels (30 for the top offer)
Anvil + enchanted books for targeted enchants

Step by step

Craft an enchanting table: 4 obsidian, 2 diamonds, 1 book.
Build a library: 15 bookshelves (6 planks + 3 books each) arranged around the table with exactly one block of air between - a 5x5 ring with the table in the center is the standard layout.
Get lapis lazuli: mine lapis ore (Y=-32 to 32, peak near Y=0) or trade with cleric villagers.
Get XP levels: kill mobs, smelt, mine, breed animals or fish. Level 30 unlocks the top enchantment offer.
Open the table: put the item in the left slot, 1-3 lapis in the right. Three offers appear; the bottom one costs 3 lapis and 30 levels.
The offers reset only after you enchant something - enchant a cheap item (book or wooden tool) to reroll if you dislike the options.
Go further with anvils: combine two enchanted items, or apply enchanted books (from loot, fishing or librarian villagers) for exact enchants like Mending.

Java vs Bedrock

Mechanics match in Java and Bedrock: 15 bookshelves max, 30-level cap, treasure enchantments (Mending, Frost Walker, Curses, Soul Speed, Swift Sneak, Wind Burst) never appear on the table.

Versions: Current system since 1.8 (lapis cost added).

Frequently asked questions

How many bookshelves for level 30 enchants?

15 bookshelves, placed one block away from the enchanting table (5x5 ring, table in the middle, nothing - not even torches or carpet - in the gap).

Why can't I get Mending from the enchanting table?

Mending is a treasure enchantment: it only comes from loot chests, fishing, raids (Bedrock) or librarian villager trades.

How do you reroll enchantment options?

Enchant any cheap item - a book or wooden shovel - and the three offers regenerate. Your item type also filters which enchants can appear.