How do I install shaders?

You first need a shader loader — either Iris (recommended, lightweight, free) or OptiFine (older, larger). Install one, then drop the shader .zip into the shaderpacks folder, and select the pack in Video Settings → Shader Packs.

Do shaders affect gameplay?

Visually only — shaders do not change game mechanics. They will, however, drop your frame rate significantly compared to vanilla.

Can I use shaders on Bedrock Edition?

Bedrock RTX is the only "shader" mode officially supported on Bedrock, and only on Windows with an RTX-capable GPU. There is no Iris/OptiFine equivalent for Bedrock.

Minecraft Shaders

The Shaders catalogue covers shader packs that overhaul Minecraft's lighting — soft shadows, dynamic sky, water reflections, ambient occlusion, and ray-traced global illumination. Each entry lists the supported shader loader (Iris, OptiFine, or Bedrock RTX), the supported Minecraft versions, the GPU class needed for smooth performance, and the license.

Shaders are GPU-heavy. A modest preset (e.g. Complementary Reimagined Low) runs well on modern integrated graphics; high-end PBR shaders (SEUS PTGI, Continuum) need a discrete RTX-class card.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most players, Complementary Reimagined or BSL strike the best balance of beauty and performance. SEUS PTGI is the best-looking with full path tracing but requires a high-end GPU. Each shader page lists hardware recommendations.

Shaders Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

Shaders Directory

Frequently Asked Questions