Save the file somewhere you'll be able to find it easily. Download OptiFine from the website's downloads page, making sure you select the OptiFine version that corresponds with the version of 'Minecraft' you run. The exact method to install and set it up will differ slightly depending on whether you use other 'Minecraft' mods, but here are the general steps.ġ. OptiFine is a free third-party app that lets you finetune and customize 'Minecraft's' graphics. Luckily, the first part - installing OptiFine - only needs to be done once, and you're good forever. Installing shaders in 'Minecraft' is a two-part process. Once you've found a shader that looks appealing, check that it's compatible with the version of 'Minecraft' you run, download the file, and save it in a location where you can easily grab it later. You can also check out, which sorts its files into helpful categories like 'psychedelic,' 'popular' and 'realistic.' We recommend, possibly the most popular website for 'Minecraft' shaders and mods. There are dozens of websites to get them from. Shaders are some of the most popular downloads on the internet. 'Bedrock:' A full breakdown of Minecraft's two major versions and which one you should buy.' Where to find and download 'Minecraft' shaders You can see more differences between 'Java' and 'Bedrock Edition' by checking out our article, ' 'Minecraft Java' vs. Important: You can only install shaders if you're playing 'Minecraft: Java Edition.' This is the most popular version of 'Minecraft' for PCs, and is the only version available for Mac and Linux users.

Here's how to find shaders, download them, and install them into your game. Luckily, installing shaders in 'Minecraft' is easy. Once you start playing with shaders, you might wonder how you ever went without them. Shaders change how lighting works in 'Minecraft,' which sounds simple, but can completely transform what the game looks like. That's why thousands of fans have put in the effort to make shaders. It looks more like a world of Legos than anything, with sharp blocks placed by large stick figures.

Installing shaders in 'Minecraft' can make your game more beautiful, but also harder to run.Īt first glance, 'Minecraft' is not a very pretty game.

Once OptiFine is installed, all you need to do is move the shader files into a specific folder on your computer.

To install shaders in 'Minecraft: Java Edition,' you'll first need to download a free program called OptiFine.

Minecraft shaders how to install