From what I can tell using the docs I can only reference images from mods or items, is there a way to refer to images not from a mod's jar?
I'm not familiar with this sort of stuff, so please bear with me for not understanding.

Basically! Though you can use textures from resource-packs aswell since they basically act as fake mod jars that contain only resources and no code. You could also use a mod like https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods/resource-loader as a cleaner alternative to resource packs

Basically! Though you can use textures from resource-packs aswell since they basically act as fake mod jars that contain only resources and no code. You could also use a mod like https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods/resource-loader as a cleaner alternative to resource packs

I'll look into that mod, cause the only other option I could think of is making individual items for the textures using contenttweaker.
That wouldn't be a problem if I was just needing a few icons for a category, but I'm making an entire mob bestiary tab.
I do not need that many placeholder items clogging up my game.

could you give an example since I'm not familiar with the mod?

Edit: Ignore this, I think I figured it out :P

Oh alright, if ya cant figure something else out feel free to ask