How to Install Shaders in Minecraft Forge (2024)

Shaders for Minecraft improve the game’s visual elements, enhancing the colors and lighting to make the game look quite realistic despite its angular design. Different types of shaders provide varying effects, so you can choose the ones to fit your preferences. If you wish to try out shaders in the game but are confused about how to install them, we’re here to help.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to set up shaders for Minecraft and share the best available options. Additionally, we’ll answer some of the most common questions related to Minecraft Forge, shaders, and OptiFine – read on to max out your gaming experience!

How to Install Shaders on Minecraft?

Depending on your device, the instructions for installing Minecraft shaders may vary. However, the general steps are similar – find them below:

1. Make sure you have OptiFine installed and set up in Minecraft.
   
2. Download a shader pack from the developer’s website.
   
3. Open Minecraft Launcher and navigate to Options from the main menu.
   
4. Click Video Settings, then Shaders.
   
5. Click Shaders Folder at the bottom of your screen and paste or drag the shader pack zip file to the folder, then close it.
   
6. Navigate back to Shaders, select your new shader pack, then Done.
   
7. Click the arrow icon next to the Play button.
   
8. Select OptiFine [version] from the menu and click Play.
   

Note: For more detailed instructions for every operating system, read on.

How to Install Shaders on Minecraft on MacOS?

If you don’t have Forge installed, follow the steps below to add shaders to Minecraft on your Mac:

1. Run your Minecraft Launcher.
   
2. Navigate to Installations, then click the three-dot icon next to “Latest release”.
   
3. Copy the address under Game Directory.
   
4. Visit the Optifine website and install it on your device. Select a version that corresponds with your Minecraft version. The best practice is to use the latest version.
   
5. Find the Optifine launch file on your Mac and double-click it to open the installation window.
   
6. Click the three-dot icon next to “Folder.”
   
7. Paste the copied address to the Folder Name window, then click Open.
   
8. Select Install.
   
9. Go back to the Minecraft Launcher and navigate to the Installations tab.
   
10. Click New, then type in Optifine to the Name window.
    
11. Click the arrow icon under Version, then click release [version] OptiFine.
    
12. Click the green Create button, then Save.
13. Download the desired shader pack zip file. They can be found on several sites online, but we recommend using official developer websites.
    
14. Find the file you just downloaded and copy it.
15. Open Minecraft Launcher, then navigate to Options from the main menu.
    
16. Click Video Settings, then Shaders.
    
17. Click Shaders Folder at the bottom of your screen and paste the shader pack zip file to the folder and close it.
    
18. If the new shader pack didn’t appear in the Video Settings menu instantly, restart Minecraft Launcher.
19. Navigate back to Shaders, select your new shader pack, then Done.
    
20. In the main menu, click the arrow icon next to Play.
    
21. Select the OptiFine version you just installed and launch the game.
    

How to Install Shaders on Minecraft on Windows?

To run shaders on Minecraft, you need to install OptiFine. Ideally, you should also have Minecraft Forge. To install shaders on your Windows device, follow the steps below:

1. Visit the Optifine website and install it on your device. Select a version that corresponds with your Minecraft version. The best practice is to use the latest version.
   
2. Find the Optifine launch file on your PC and copy it using the Ctrl + C keyboard shortcut.
   
3. Run your Minecraft Launcher.
   
4. Navigate to Installations, then click the three-dot icon next to “Latest release.”
   
5. Under Game Directory, click Browse to navigate to the Minecraft folder on your PC.
   
6. Open the mods folder.
   
7. Paste the Optifine file to the mods folder using the Ctrl + V shortcut.
8. Download the desired shader pack zip file. They can be found on several sites online, but we recommend using official developer websites.
   
9. Find the file you just downloaded and copy it.
10. Open Minecraft Launcher, then navigate to Options from the main menu.
    
11. Click Video Settings, then Shaders.
    
12. Click Shaders Folder at the bottom of your screen and paste the shader pack zip file to the folder and close it.
    
13. If the new shader pack didn’t appear in the Video Settings menu instantly, restart Minecraft Launcher.
14. Navigate back to Shaders, select your new shader pack, then Done.
    
15. Click the arrow icon next to the “Play” button.
    
16. Select Forge [version] from the menu and click Play.
    

How to Install Shaders on Minecraft on iPhone or Android?

No need to limit your gaming experience if you don’t own a PC – Minecraft shaders are also available in the pocket edition of the game. Here’s how to install them on iPhone or Android device:

1. Download the shader pack you like that is compatible with the mobile version.
   
2. Open the Downloads folder on your phone and launch the shader pack file. When asked which app to use, select Minecraft.
   
3. In the game, navigate to Settings.
   
4. Click Global Resources.
   
5. Navigate to Resources Pack and select your shader pack. Wait for it to install.
   
6. Start the game.
   

The Best Minecraft Shaders

There are plenty of shaders available for Minecraft, so you may easily get confused about which one to pick. We’ve gathered the best shader packs in our guide – find them below:

1. Sonic Ether. This shader pack provides highly realistic lighting and effects. Furthermore, it supports ray tracing – as long as your graphics card supports it too, of course.
   
2. Minecraft Ore. One of the most popular Minecraft shader packs. Although it isn’t as realistic as the Sonic Ether shader, it also has lower technical requirements.
   
3. BSL Shaders. This pack offers a wide range of realistic effects while not using all of your PC’s power – a strong competition to Minecraft Ore.
   
4. KUDA Shaders. Another popular choice; its main advantage is great water reflections.
   
5. Oceano. This shader pack merely modifies the colors rather than the lighting, making the game appear warmer. It also has great water effects.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Read this section to find out more about Minecraft shaders and OptiFine.

How Do I Add Shaders to Forge 1.12.2?

Installing shaders to Forge 1.12.2 isn’t any different from adding them to other versions. Just make sure that the shader pack you download works with Minecraft 1.12.2 and select the corresponding version. You also have to install OptiFine version 1.12.2 to run shaders in the game.

How Do I Install Shaders Forge 1.15.2?

To install shaders for Minecraft Forge 1.15.2, you need first to download OptiFine of a corresponding version. Then, follow the steps below:

1.Download a shader pack that works with Minecraft 1.15.2 from the developer’s website.

2.Open Minecraft Launcher and navigate to Options from the main menu.

3.Click Video Settings, then Shaders.

4.Click Shaders Folder at the bottom of your screen and paste the shader pack zip file to the folder, then close it.

5.Navigate back to Shaders, select your new shader pack, then Done.

6.Click the arrow icon next to the “Play” button.

7.Select OptiFine 1.15.2 from the menu and click Play.

How Do I Install OptiFine With Forge?

If you already have Minecraft Forge, follow the steps below to install OptiFine and shaders for Minecraft:

1.Visit the Optifine website and install it on your device. Select a version that corresponds with your Minecraft version. The best practice is to use the latest version.

2.Find the Optifine launch file on your PC and copy it using a keyboard shortcut.

3.Run your Minecraft Launcher.

4.Navigate to Installations, then click the three-dot icon next to “Latest release.”

5.Under Game Directory, click Browse to navigate to the Minecraft folder on your PC.

6.Open the mods folder.

7.Paste the Optifine file to the mods folder using a shortcut.

8.Download the desired shader pack zip file. They can be found on several sites online, but we recommend using official developer websites.

9.Find the file you just downloaded and copy it.

10.Open Minecraft Launcher, then navigate to Options from the main menu.

11.Click Video Settings, then Shaders.

12.Click Shaders Folder at the bottom of your screen and paste the shader pack zip file to the folder and close it.

13.If the new shader pack didn’t appear in the Video Settings menu instantly, restart Minecraft Launcher.

14.Navigate back to Shaders, select your new shader pack, then Done.

15.Click the arrow icon next to the Play button.

16.Select Forge [version] from the menu and click Play.

Can You Get Shaders With Forge?

The short answer is – yes. Although Forge isn’t necessary to add shader packs to the game, you can use it to run them if you wish. Some Forge mods include lighting enhancement in addition to other features.

Do Shaders Need Forge?

Forge isn’t necessary to install shaders on Minecraft, but you can use it to run them if you want. OptiFine, on the other hand, is obligatory for shaders to work.

Do You Have to Have Java to Install Forge?

Yes, you need Java to run Forge. However, if you play Minecraft on your PC, you must already have Java installed. To find it, type “java.exe” into the search bar of your device.

It’s All About the Lighting

Hopefully, with the help of our guide, you have found a shader pack that you enjoy. Such modifications can significantly change the overall atmosphere of the game. They prove that the right lighting is crucial for a game to look more realistic. With the development of ray tracing technology, we’re waiting to see even better shaders in the nearest future – let’s just hope that the tech specs of PCs will keep up with the progress.

What are your favorite Minecraft mods? Share your experiences in the comments section below.