Shaders are special mods with which you can completely change the graphics in Minecraft by adding interesting effects: shadows, movement of foliage and grass, reflection on water, etc. So if you want to make your world a little more realistic, you'll have to figure out how to install shaders on Minecraft.
Standard installation
Before you start installing shaders, make sure your Minecraft client is empty. Remove all unnecessary files so that no conflicts arise when installing the graphical modification.
After updating the client, you need to install a mod for Minecraft called OptiFine. It is responsible for optimizing the game and allows you to get rid of some errors when adding other modifications.
The last step is moving the shaders. Open the downloaded archive and transfer all the files in it inside minecraft.jar. Save your changes and run the game to see if the graphics are more realistic.
Shader Mod
There is another way, which is to use the Shader Mod, which creates a special folder in the root directory of the game.
The procedure here is the same as the standard installation, but after installing OptiFine you need to add the Shader Mod files to minecraft.jar. After closing the archive, a “shaders” folder will appear in the Minecraft root directory (sometimes you have to create it yourself).
Transfer the contents of the archive with shaders to the “shaders” folder. If there is no “shaders” directory, but inside the archive with shaders there is a “shaderspack” folder, then this should be moved to the root directory of the game, after which you can check the Minecraft graphics. 
Depending on the client version and modification, the installation procedure may change, so try to clarify it in the description of the mod or in the readme file, which should be inside the archive.
When Minecraft first went on sale, everyone was surprised: how do the developers plan to make the project successful using eight-bit outdated graphics? And this is at a time when the picture on the monitor is practically no different from the real photographic image. But all the doubters and non-believers were in for a surprise - Minecraft rose to the very top, becoming one of the most popular games in the world, which is now enjoyed by millions of people. Such graphics were perceived as a certain retro touch, people were immersed in memories of the times of old consoles, so this aspect only had a positive impact on the project.
However, some people still don't like this image on the screen too much, and they have to put up with it if they want to play Minecraft. True, there is a way out of this situation - shaders. Of course, this will not completely change the image, but it will make it more beautiful, pleasing to the eye, and impressive. Therefore, if you don't like the way your Minecraft looks, you can always change it - to do this you need to figure out how to install shaders.
What are shaders?
First of all, you need to understand what shaders actually are. This is a graphics program that can significantly improve the image in the game. For many projects, questions about how to install shaders are irrelevant, since they have been used for a long time. In others, such as Minecraft, they are not provided for the original version. But if the game is so popular and there is a demand for shaders, then there will always be specialists who will make one or another graphic texture. If you are not an expert in game programming, then you don't need to think about it - you just need to know how to install shaders and also find them on the Internet.
Client with shaders
The easiest way to get Minecraft with shaders is to find a ready-made client. It will come pre-installed with some texture sets, so all you have to do is install the game and not have to worry about installing shaders separately. However, this method has its drawbacks. First of all, you should understand that the set of shaders will be limited and unchanged - only those textures that the creator has considered necessary to add to the client will be available to you. Therefore, it is worth thinking about whether you need this, since, quite possibly, you will want to add some additional shaders and remove some existing ones. Therefore, it’s better to understand it in detail (if you really want a shader client customized for your needs manually.
Installing the base kernel
Everyone understands that if such high-quality textures were not provided in the original version, you will not be able to simply download them and load them into the game. To install shaders on Minecraft, you will need a special software core developed specifically for this game. You can find it on the Internet; installation should not cause you any problems, but the result will definitely please you. From now on, you will only need to find the textures that interest you and load them into the game, easily deleting those that you do not want to use. Most often, the software core already has several ready-made shaders that clearly demonstrate the systems in action.
The benefits and harms of shaders
Now that you know where to download and how to install shaders, you need to figure out whether it's worth it. After all, everything always has not only pros, but also cons, so you need to separately consider the use of detailed textures for Minecraft. So, shaders transform the game world: you have a realistic sun that creates shadows from both objects and characters, many textures become much more detailed, such as grass or leaves. This makes the picture much more attractive, which is what was required from the use of shaders. But they also have a very impressive drawback - they are demanding. The better and more detailed the textures, the more demanding the game becomes on your computer. And if Minecraft was designed in such a way that even the weakest computer could support it, then with the use of shaders this property is lost - on a low-power machine the game will experience severe glitches, slowdowns, and in some cases it may stop running altogether. Therefore, check whether your computer can support all the textures that you want to apply to the game, so that you do not experience discomfort in the process.
The most important shader
It's no secret that the first thing that shaders captivated the gaming community with was water. With the help of these textures, it became as realistic as possible; the first projects using shaders were literally mesmerizing. Gamers could stay in the game for hours, just admiring the watery scenery. Minecraft also provides such textures, although the danger of increasing demands applies to them to the maximum extent.
Shaders are a relatively new feature in Minecraft. With the help of these modifications you can change the graphics of the game very much: make it more voluminous, bright and realistic. The feature was introduced into the game in version 1.7.2, but was removed again in 1.9. Thus, players cannot use shaders in most versions. However, you can install them manually, this article will show you exactly how.
What do shaders do in Minecraft?
The influence of a shader on the game depends entirely on the shader pack. This is a special archive with the contents of your shader.
- This change may improve your graphics, but not as much as the mod.
- Make the picture brighter or dimmer.
- Blur the boundaries of textures and add any frame for beauty.
- Add an outline to the textures to make them appear three-dimensional.
If your computer cannot handle heavy mods to improve graphics, then shaders will help brighten up the gameplay. From Minecraft versions 1.7.2 to 1.9, shaders are already installed for brightness, blur, outlining textures, frames and changing the position of the picture.
What you need to install shaders in Minecraft
The process of installing such changes is long, but not difficult. You will need the following package of installed programs:
- Latest version of Java;
- OptiFine, suitable for your version of Minecraft;
- The shader itself;
- Any shader pack to your taste;
- It is important to decide in advance on the version of Minecraft you want to play.
Now follow the instructions.
Install Java
Select your operating system version and download the installer by clicking on the red arrow.
Once the file is downloaded to your computer, double-click on it. The Java installation process is very simple. Click “Install”.
When the process is complete, you will see the word “Close” in the lower right corner of the window. Click on it and the installation will complete.
A fresh version of Java is required for Minecraft to work correctly, as well as for installing the shader.
Install Optifine
This utility optimizes the game's performance when you install mods on it. Also, it allows you to install them, since without it they will not work at all.
You can download any version of OptiFine from the link https://minecraft.ru.net/alternate/optifine/
Select your version of Minecraft in square brackets. After downloading the program, simply run it.
To check if the utility is installed correctly:
- Open Minecraft;
- You should see Optifine signatures in the version selection;
- If they do not appear, repeat the instructions again.
Download the appropriate shader and shader pack
Both choices must be consistent with your version of the game. If it is 1.9, then you need to download strictly shader 1.9.
You can sort them by your version of the game using a filter. Download the one you want.
Installing shaders on Minecraft
Now you have everything you need to get started.
Double-click on the shader file with the extension .jar, if you cannot open it, then right-click on it and manually select the Java program. It is with its help that such applications are opened.
- Now go to “Local disk – Users – *Your name* – AppData – Roaming – .minecraft;
- Create a folder called Shaderpacks.
Now open your shader pack archive and extract it to the folder you just created. Now you will have folders like:
- Shaderpacks – Shader name – extracted files.
To activate them, go to the game in the “Settings” section.
If something doesn’t work out for you, then:
- Check if the versions of Minecraft, shader and shader packs match;
- Do you have fresh Java installed?
- Restart your computer;
- Check if your game is working properly.
Find out how to install shaders on Minecraft in 3 ways: with Forge, with Fabric and only with Optifan.
How to install shaders on Minecraft is shown in this awesome guide from Heron:
How to install shaders with Forge (2019)
2.Forge
2
.1 Double click on the downloaded Forge file and click OK. Once Forge is installed, click OK again.
2.2. launch the launcher and select install Forge. Login (if required)
2.3. click play button
3. OPTIFINE
3. 3. go to the “mods” subfolder and place the downloaded Optifine file here
4. The shaders themselves
How to install shaders with Fabric (2019)
1.1 Launch Minecraft and go to settings Create an installation @
1.2. Click on it with the left mouse button and select “release 1.14.4” (if you need Minecraft 1.14.4, if 1.12.2, then select release 1.12.2, etc.) from the “use version” list
1.3. Launch the game and go to the main menu and exit after a few seconds. Close the launcher
2.Fabric
2
.1 double click on the downloaded Fabric file and click the “Install” button. After installation Fabric The word Done will appear. Close the launcher.
2.2. launch the Minecraft launcher and select Fabric installation. Login (if required)
2.3. click play button
2.4 start the game and exit after a few seconds and close the launcher
3. OPTIFINE
3. 1. Select "run" command from Windows system menu and write "%appdata%" in its text dialog box, click "OK" button
3. 2. open the “.minecraft” folder somewhere in Roaming
3. 3. go to the “mods” subfolder and place the downloaded file here,
4. The shaders themselves
4.1. Log into Minecraft from the Forge installation and click the “Options” button. Next, click the “Video Settings” button. Next, click the “Shaders” button
4.2. You can click the "Open shaderspack folder" button, but if the game crashes, you need to launch the game again and follow steps 4.1 and then find and open the "shaderpacks" folder in the ".minecraft" folder (. Minecraft\shaderpacks) and put the downloaded ones here shader files
4.3. select the added shader (refer to the names) in the game menu and click the “Finish” button
How to install shaders only with OPTIFINE (2019)
1.1 Launch Minecraft and go to settings Create an installation @
1.2. Click on it with the left mouse button and select “release 1.14.4” (if you need Minecraft 1.14.4, if 1.12.2, then select release 1.12.2, etc.) from the “use version” list
1.3. Launch the game and go to the main menu and exit after a few seconds. Close the launcher
2.Optifine
2
.1 double click on the downloaded Optifine file and click the “Install” button. After installing Optifine, a window will appear, click OK. Close the launcher.
2.2. launch the Minecraft launcher and select installation Optifine. Login (if required)
2.3. click play button
2.4 start the game and exit after a few seconds and close the launcher
3. The shaders themselves
3.1. Log into Minecraft from the Forge installation and click the “Options” button. Next, click the “Video Settings” button. Next, click the “Shaders” button
3.2. You can click the "Open shaderspack folder" button, but if the game crashes, you need to launch the game again and follow steps 4.1 and then find and open the "shaderpacks" folder in the ".minecraft" folder (. Minecraft\shaderpacks) and put the downloaded ones here shader files
3.3. select the added shader (refer to the names) in the game menu and click the “Finish” button
Shaders on Minecraft Pocket Edition are most often, of course, aimed at increasing the realism of the gameplay - they change and add beautiful animations, various glow and blur effects, highlights and reflections on water, neat shadows and bright sun rays. You can often find beautifully animated clouds, leaves moving in the wind, and even waves on the water! Many texture packs come with shaders. In such kits, everything - both the textures and the shader itself - is configured and “adjusted” in such a way as to ensure the maximum level of the image on the screen, making it juicy and bright.
PlainPixels for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.11
Block textures are the most widespread element among all existing analogues in the game. Therefore, it is not surprising that users and fans of the game are actively improving, replacing and making them better.
EZ Shader for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.14
EZ Shader 1.14 for Minecraft is an excellent solution for improving the game, and not loading the system. It is enough to install this shader and the game will be slightly transformed: it will receive updated lighting, add new details to all directions, not to mention numerous other elements.
New Skies for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.14
New Skies 1.14 for Minecraft is a shader that many have dreamed of. Now you will have the opportunity in the game to change the display of the sky without unnecessary manipulations. It will receive several variations and additional elements that will significantly increase realism.
Reflex for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.13
To make the game much more rich and enjoyable, sometimes it is not enough to use texture improvements. Today we invite you to pay attention to Reflex 1.13 shaders for Minecraft.
Adin's for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.14
Adin's 1.14 for Minecraft is a global shader that changes almost all available elements in the game. First, pay attention to the sky, which will receive new design elements.
LAC Graphics for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.13
Quite a few users are actively working with sky design and making it better. Today you will have the opportunity to use the LAC Graphics 1.13 shader for Minecraft, which adds a lot of new things to the celestial projection.
Realistic World Shadow for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.14
We continue to carefully study mods that may be useful for your game. For example, today we recommend using the Realistic World Shadow 1.14 shader for Minecraft, which will become the basis for improvement.
Energy for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.14
If you are looking for the most favorable options to enjoy the game, then we suggest you pay attention to Energy 1.14 for Minecraft. This set of shaders was at one time quite popular among users who wanted to not only enjoy the game, but also simply wanted a more realistic environment.
DMPE Cinematic for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.14
It's amazing what directions fans of the game try to change. For example, this time we suggest paying attention to the DMPE Cinematic 1.14 shader for Minecraft.
Pio for Minecraft Pocket Edition 1.13
Pio 1.13 for Minecraft is a unique improvement element, which is the addition of the shadow of the main character. If previously it did not exist at all, now it will accompany the hero in all adventures and change depending on the lighting.
Along with the increase in the power of mobile devices, which is becoming more noticeable every year, the quality of applications and ports of popular games on them is also growing. At first, games on Android and iOS were created uncomplicated - basically, they were simple economic “managers” that promoted players for donations, and various “clickers”. Minecraft PE, which quite recently seemed quite “raw” and resembled the “same” Minecraft of old versions on PC, has now acquired a significant number of additions and decorations, carefully created by the developer community.
And shaders, so popular among Minecraft players, were no exception and migrated to Pocket Edition. The weak point of this extremely popular game today is the graphical component, which allows you to play it on the weakest devices, but cannot satisfy demanding gamers. Naturally, the developers also took care of such players - and made it possible to improve the graphics in Minecraft, entrusting this task to the shoulders of the gaming community. Shaders Minecraft PE allow you to get the usual high-quality picture with various effects, but not on a personal computer, but on a mobile phone or tablet.
Each shader brings something different to the world of Minecraft. Some habitually improve the overall appearance of the game and its realism. They are extremely popular, and therefore it was only a matter of time before they were ported to Pocket Edition. Others, on the contrary, change everything that Minecraft players are used to beyond recognition - they change the very geometry of the world and objects, create bizarre shapes and allow you to get completely new and unusual experiences from playing Minecraft.
Naturally, most shaders require fairly powerful devices: on an old smartphone released before 2010, it is unlikely that you will be able to install any beautiful and interesting shader and properly enjoy playing Minecraft. But for more or less modern devices, albeit low-end class (or higher), you can select certain shaders that are not demanding on the hardware of the device, which can still bring significant changes to the graphics of Minecraft Pocket Edition and allow you to get new vivid impressions from games. And of course, such shaders for Minecraft Pocket Edition featured in this category!
If the vast majority of texture packs for MC Pocket Edition are only “ports” from the PC version of Minecraft, then with shaders the situation is completely different. Different system requirements, different development tools - all this contributed to the fact that most shaders for Minecraft PE were created almost from scratch. Thanks to this, you can be sure that shaders will work correctly on all mobile devices that have the appropriate version of Minecraft Pocket Edition installed. Shaders are constantly updated, adding new animations, improving the overall level of graphics (shadows, rays and glows) and ensuring compatibility with the latest, fresh versions of Minecraft Pocket Edition.
