Try the Commands Troubleshooting and Help page if you get stuff with server errors.
Summon falling blocks and ghost blocks
Make a command for summoning a falling block entity. Make it hover as a ghost block, or give the falling block motion to launch it across the map. Falling blocks have similar properties as setblock, but are entities that can have motion, but also they have a life time limit.
Time
Measured in ticks this is how long the falling block will be in the world for. Time will increase at 20 ticks per second. If Time is set to 1, it will increase until it reaches 600 (30 seconds) or until it lands. If still falling it will drop as an item (if possible). Time can be set to negative, and will continue to tick up until reaching 0 at which point it will despawn. It is recommended to always set Time, as the default value of 0 will cause the falling block despawn instantly.
This block will fall for 30 seconds or until it lands
/summon falling_block ~ ~ ~ {BlockState:{Name:cobblestone_stairs},Time:1}
Ghost blocks
Using the NoGravity tag allows the falling block to float in the air. Players can walk or fall though Ghost blocks, ideal for map makers planning traps or secret passage ways. Due to the Time limit (above), map makers will need to use a redstone timer clock to repeat the respawn command.
This block will hover, and then drop as an item after 30 seconds
/summon falling_block ~ ~ ~ {BlockState:{Name:cobblestone_stairs},Time:1,NoGravity:1b}
This block will hover, and then despawn after 30 seconds
/summon falling_block ~ ~ ~ {BlockState:{Name:cobblestone_stairs},Time:-600,NoGravity:1b}
New in Minecraft 1.19 is summon block_display. Summon block display is the newer recommended way to put ghost blocks into the world.
Flying Blocks
Falling blocks can be make to shoot in any direction by setting the initial motion. Maximum of 10, or -10 for reverse direction. On hitting a wall the falling block will convert into a block as usual. With upward vertical motion (z axis), the block will eventually slow and then begin to fall.
Minecraft Versions Permalinks
If you find yourself using a particular version all the time, you can link directly. There is some crossover between versions, so there will be quirks.
Version History
addedDecorated Pots
addedUpdated food to consumable for 1.21.2, still has some issues with effects
addedUpdated attribute names for 1.21.2
addedSuspicious Blocks
patchHide 1.20.5 item display features for previous versions
patchForce format attribute values as numbers
added1.20.5+ Food, tools and new tags for give generator
patchMinor fixes for chest container items
patchBanner set block command
Read version history »
(70 More Updates)