How To Install The OptiFine Mod For Minecraft (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Install the OptiFine Mod for Minecraft PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Zac Churchill and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 4, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Installing with Minecraft Forge (With Mods)
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  • Installing Without Mods
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This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,251,776 times.

OptiFine for Minecraft lets you customize in-game animations and lighting to improve your gameplay on less-powerful computers. It's easy to install OptiFine as a standalone configuration, which means you won't even need Minecraft Forge. If you use Forge already, installing OptiFine is a little different, but still pretty easy. This wikiHow article will teach you how to install OptiFine for Minecraft, with or without Minecraft Forge.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Installing with Minecraft Forge (With Mods)

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  1. Step 1 Update Minecraft... 1 Update Minecraft if necessary. You'll need to be running the latest version of Minecraft if you want to install the latest OptiFine. To update Minecraft, open the launcher with no mods, wait for the newest version to download, and then sign back in if prompted.
    • Visit Minecraft’s Release Changelogs page to confirm what the latest version of Minecraft is.
    • Use this method if you want to run OptiFine with Minecraft Forge, which will allow you to play with mods.[1]
    • If you haven't already installed and configured Minecraft Forge, you'll need to do so first.
  2. Step 2 Go to OptiFine... 2 Go to OptiFine Downloads page. This is the official download page for OptiFine. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Click Download. 3 Click Download. This will display some ads, which is necessary for keeping the download free. After a few seconds, you can click Skip at the top-right to skip these ads.
    • Click Mirror if you’d like an ad-free download experience.
  4. Step 4 Click the Download link. 4 Click the Download link. This saves the file (which ends with ".jar") to your computer.[2]
    • You may have to click Save or OK to start the download.
    • Don't run the installer once downloaded!
  5. Step 5 Open your Minecraft mods folder. 5 Open your Minecraft mods folder. Here's how:[3]
    • Windows: Press Windows key + R to open the Run box, type or paste %Appdata%/.minecraft, and then click OK. Double-click the mods folder if you see it. If you don't, create a new folder called mods and then double-click to open it.
    • macOS: In Finder, click the Go menu and select Go to Folder. Type or paste ~/Library/Application Support/Minecraft and click Go. Double-click the mods folder if you see it. If you don't see it, create a new folder called mods and double-click to open it.
    • Troubleshooting: You might not see a “mods” folder on your computer if you’ve only ever played Minecraft un-modded (without any modding programs installed). Make sure that Minecraft Forge is installed properly, and create a new mods folder for yourself if the default one won’t show up.
  6. Step 6 Copy the OptiFine .jar file This is the file you just downloaded. 6 Copy the OptiFine .jar file This is the file you just downloaded. To copy it, click it once in your default Downloads folder and press Control + C (PC) or Command + C (Mac).[4]
  7. Step 7 Paste the OptiFine .jar file into the mods folder. 7 Paste the OptiFine .jar file into the mods folder. To do this, just right-click (or Control + click) a blank area inside of the mods folder and select Paste.[5]
  8. Step 8 Run OptiFine via Forge. 8 Run OptiFine via Forge. Now that you've added the appropriate file to the mods folder, OptiFine will work with Minecraft Forge. Here's how to start using OptiFine through Forge:[6]
    • Open the Minecraft Launcher.
    • Click the drop-down menu next to PLAY.
    • Click forge.
    • Click PLAY.
    • You'll find your OptiFine controls in the main menu under Options > Video Settings. Some common OptiFine controls are Shaders, Details, and Animations.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Installing Without Mods

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  1. Step 1 Update Minecraft if necessary. 1 Update Minecraft if necessary. You'll need to be running the latest version of Minecraft if you want to install the latest version of OptiFine. To update Minecraft, open the launcher with no mods, wait for the newest version to download, and then sign back in if prompted.
    • Use this method if you want to run OptiFine without Minecraft Forge, which is the simplest and most straightforward way to install OptiFine.
    • If you use Minecraft Forge to play with other mods, you'll want to use the Installing with Minecraft Forge instructions, which lets you install OptiFine like a mod.
  2. Step 2 Click Download. 2 Click Download. This will display some ads, which is necessary for keeping the download free. After a few seconds, you can click Skip at the top-right to skip these ads.
    • You can also click Mirror to get an ad-free download.
  3. Step 3 Click the Download link. 3 Click the Download link. This saves the file (which ends with ".jar") to your computer.
    • You may have to click Save or OK to start the download.
  4. Step 4 Install Java 17... 4 Install Java 17 on your computer. Click on the tab for your operating system (Windows/Mac/Linux), and click on the Installer download link, which automatically downloads an .exe file to your device. Run this file to install Java successfully.
    • Skip this step if you already have Java 17 on your computer.
    • Tip: Examine the file icon next to the .jar filed you downloaded. Do you see the Java logo next to it (a blue and orange coffee cup), or a blank white icon? If you see a blank white icon, you may need to install Java (or use Jarfix) to ensure that your computer is using Java to open .jar files).
  5. Step 5 Run the OptiFine installer. 5 Run the OptiFine installer. You can usually do this by double-clicking the file you downloaded (which can be found in your “Downloads” folder) that ends with ".jar."[7] The OptiFine Installer should automatically pull up the correct destination.
    • If you're using Windows, right-click the downloaded file ending with .jar, select Open with, and then click Java(TM) Platform SE binary.[8]
    • On a Mac, just double-click the downloaded file. If that doesn't work, press Control as you click the file once, and then select Open from the menu.
    • Troubleshooting: Download Jarfix if Java isn’t automatically opening your .jar file. Jarfix makes it so your device will always associate .jar files with Java.[9]
  6. Step 6 Click Install on the installer window. 6 Click Install on the installer window. This installs the OptiFine files into the appropriate directory. When the installation is complete, you'll see a success message. You can click OK to close it.[10]
    • If the correct destination doesn’t appear on the Installer, pull up Minecraft, click on the “Installations” tab, and click on the folder icon next to “Latest release.” You can copy and paste the correct file path from there—just be sure to close Minecraft again before you install OptiFine.
  7. Step 7 Run the OptiFine version of Minecraft. 7 Run the OptiFine version of Minecraft. Now that OptiFine is installed, you can start playing! Here's how:[11]
    • Open the Minecraft Launcher and click the arrow to the left of the PLAY button.
    • Select the OptiFine installation.
    • Click PLAY.
    • You'll find your OptiFine controls in the main menu under Options > Video Settings. Some common OptiFine controls are Shaders, Details, and Animations.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I use the zoom function of Optifine? Community Answer Community Answer Hold either Z or C to zoom in. You can check your keybinds to find out for sure. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 69
  • Question If I install Optifine, will I be able to play multiplayer on normal servers? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. OptiFine is an allowed mod across almost all servers and you should be able to play multiplayer on normal servers. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 67
  • Question How do I update an older version of OptiFine to a newer one? Community Answer Community Answer Go to the website, and download a new version. Next, follow the exact steps above. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 45 Helpful 58
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

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Tips

  • You can use the Video Settings... section of Minecraft's Options menu to access OptiFine's advanced settings (such as dynamic lighting). Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • When running OptiFine via Forge, you won't see OptiFine in the "Mods" menu; this is because OptiFine is technically a profile, not a mod. You should, however, see "OptiFine" in the lower-left side of the main menu upon opening Forge. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Toying with OptiFine settings you don't fully understand may cause Minecraft to crash. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://minecraftshader.com/how-to-install-optifine/
  2. ↑ https://beebom.com/how-install-optifine-minecraft-1-19/
  3. ↑ https://minecraftshader.com/how-to-install-optifine/
  4. ↑ https://minecraftshader.com/how-to-install-optifine/
  5. ↑ https://minecraftshader.com/how-to-install-optifine/
  6. ↑ https://www.selecthub.com/resources/how-to-install-optifine/
  7. ↑ https://beebom.com/how-install-optifine-minecraft-1-19/
  8. ↑ https://thebreakdown.xyz/how-to-download-install-optifine-in-minecraft/
  9. ↑ https://johann.loefflmann.net/en/software/jarfix/index.html
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://thebreakdown.xyz/how-to-download-install-optifine-in-minecraft/#how-to-install-optifine
  2. ↑ https://thebreakdown.xyz/how-to-download-install-optifine-in-minecraft/#how-to-play-minecraft-with-optifine

About This Article

Zac Churchill Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. This article has been viewed 2,251,776 times. 35 votes - 62% Co-authors: 41 Updated: December 4, 2025 Views: 2,251,776 Categories: Minecraft Mods Article SummaryX

To install the OptiFine Mod for Minecraft as a standalone configuration (without Minecraft Forge), make sure you’re running the latest version of Minecraft and update to the latest version if you aren’t. Next, open the Minecraft Launcher, click the Launch Options tab, and click Latest Release. From here, click the "Game Directory" switch, highlight the directory, and press Control + C (PC) or Command + C (Mac) to copy the installer directory URL. Close the Launcher, open your browser, and navigate to the official download page for OptiFine: https://optifine.net/downloads.php. Click the Download link, click Save or OK to start the download, and wait a few seconds for the download to finish. Double-click the downloaded file (which ends in .jar) to run the OptiFine installer. Press Control + V (PC) or Command + V (Mac) to paste the correct installer directory into the "Folder" field. Then, click Install, wait for the installation to finish, and click OK. To start playing the OptiFine version of Minecraft, open the Minecraft Launcher and click the arrow to the left of the PLAY button. Select the OptiFine installation and click PLAY. If you want to install the OptiFine Mod for Minecraft and you’re running the Minecraft Forge mod already, the process is slightly different. Start by making sure you’re running the latest version of Minecraft and update to the latest version if you aren’t. Next, open your web browser and navigate to the official download page for OptiFine: https://optifine.net/downloads.php. Click the Download link, click Save or OK to start the download, and wait a few seconds for the download to finish. Then, open your Minecraft mods folder and copy the OptiFine .jar file that you just downloaded by pressing Control + C (PC) or Command + C (Mac). Right-click (or Control + click) a blank area inside of the mods folder and select Paste to paste the OptiFine .jar file into your mods folder. Now OptiFine will work with Minecraft Forge. To play the game, open the Minecraft Launcher and click the arrow next to PLAY. Then, click forge and click PLAY. To learn how to use Optifine only, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Alexa Eisenhart

    Alexa Eisenhart

    Jun 20, 2016

    "I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong when my computer wouldn't even open the OptiFine installer. ..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Zac Churchill Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist 35 votes - 62% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 41 Updated: December 4, 2025 Views: 2,251,776 Alexa Eisenhart

Alexa Eisenhart

Jun 20, 2016

"I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong when my computer wouldn't even open the OptiFine installer. ..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Apr 26, 2016

"I installed using Forge first, thinking I needed it, but I don't normally use mods. I gave it a try without..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 18, 2016

"I installed OptiFine successfully, but it keeps on crashing when I join a server or a single player game. Well, I..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

May 6, 2023

"The installer wasn't working which was weird so I searched "how to install optifine" and this popped..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2017

"At first it was confusing, but I eventually translated it through the Windows 10 PC version. Thank you!" Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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