OptiFine is a mod for Minecraft with settings you can tweak to improve the graphics and performance of the Java-version game. OptiFine was developed by sp614x, a Minecraft modder and was meant for performance improvement. It now helps decorate the Minecraft world with graphics and video effects. You will find this article useful to install OptiFine and see the mod’s possibilities. In case you get questions arisen before OptiFine’s installation, please read all the answers and recommendations below.
What is OptiFine in Minecraft?
As you already know, Minecraft has a limitation of resolution. Due to its interaction with OptiFine, you can do the following:
- Increase the frame per second rate (FPS), add shader packs, and customize game textures, lighting effects and animations.
- Light up the objects with manual-type and falling light-emitting ones.
- Smooth out jagged lines and harsh colour transitions.
OptiFine makes gameplay smoother by synchronizing the FPS with the monitor’s refresh rate using VSync. Also, it improves the appearance of distant objects by smoothing out texture details using MIP-maps. Giving blocks a more authentic look by including rotated and inverted base block texture options, it is possible to Customize animations like water, flames, smoke, rain, fire and more.
Beware of the famous Lag Spike of Death by adjusting the autosave interval as this lag happens when ticks-per-second (TPS) delays accumulate, making the game freeze, crash, or corrupt a save.
Minimum Requirements for OptiFine
Only this Java must be installed on the system. Due to the fact that OptiFine runs quite smoothly even on low-priced PC, it, say, does not require special maintenance. To install Java, go to the Java download page and download the file marked as Installer. Launch it and follow the instructions on the screen.
Where to download OptiFine
The official website is the easiest way to find the file. It can be manually installed as an unmodified Minecraft .jar file, with its own profile in the vanilla launcher, or added to Minecraft Forge.
Latest Version: OptiFine HD 1.17.1 > 1.8.1 > 1.19.1
OptiFine is usually one of the first mods to release new versions for synchronizing with the latest Minecraft releases. Prior to Minecraft 1.7.10, OptiFine had three separate versions – Lite, Standard and Ultra. From Minecraft 1.8 and up, OptiFine Ultra is the only version which is still being developed.
Availability for Minecraft Bedrock
As of 2021, OptiFine is not available for the Minecraft Bedrock version. Bedrock is available on Xbox One, Windows 10 Edition, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
Is it really harmful?
You are probably concerned about the error message displayed when you download the installer: “This type of file can harm your computer. Do you want to keep [filename] anyway?” The error is most likely false-positive. If you download OptiFine from the official website, it cannot cause problems on your device. However, in order to completely sure, you can scan your device with reliable antivirus software.
How to install OptiFine
The installation process of OptiFine is described below.
Version Check
Before downloading OptiFine, run the game and select Latest Release to the left of the Play button to check which version of Minecraft is installed on your PC.
How to download Installer
Step 1: Go to https://OptiFine.net/downloads. You will see a list of all available versions (the latest one is going to be at the top).
Step 2: If the necessary version is absent, click Show All Versions at the bottom of the page. When you find your version, click Download to install OptiFine.
Step 3: You will be prompted to an advertisement page. Wait 5-10 seconds. The Skip button will appear in the upper right corner, click to continue.
Step 4: On the next page, tap Download to download the Installer to your computer.
Note. If you are planning to run OptiFine inside Minecraft Forge, you will need to install Forge first. Skip this step if you plan to run the mod separately, that is easier.
How to launch Installer
Step 1: Double click on the OptiFine installation file.
Step 2: Click Open with > Java(™) Platform SE Binary.
Step 3: You will see a pop-up window showing the path to the Minecraft folder; the installer will be placed here. So, make sure you have Minecraft installed before you get OptiFine. Click Install.
Step 4: When prompted, select OK to confirm that it has been installed successfully.
Launch OptiFine in Minecraft
Step 1: Open the Minecraft launcher on your desktop.
Step 2: To the left of the PLAY button at the bottom, you should see the latest version. If not, click on the dropdown arrow. Tap the latest version to start the installation.
Step 3: If the downloaded version does not appear in this list, click on Settings at the top. You will see your installer listed. Select Play to launch OptiFine.
Step 4: Or click on New Install. You will see a Name text input field with the title “Create a new installation”.
Step 5: Give this setting a name. For the version, click on the dropdown menu to select the downloaded installer. Click on Create in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 6: Launch Minecraft.
Step 7: When the game’s loaded, go to Video Settings to check if shaders and animations are depicted. If they are available, the installation has been success.
Feature Improvements
Scroll down the submenu in Video Settings. Hover over the new settings to see what they mean and which option can improve your game’s performance. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Customizing Animation Effects
You can activate as many animation effects as you want to improve your gaming experience. But there is a catch. If you leave many of them enabled, they can lower your FPS. So, please choose wisely.
Summarizing
When you need to update OptiFine to the latest version, you do not need to delete the previous version. Just download and install the latest version from the manufacturer’s official website and you’re done! Do you recommend any other way to install OptiFine? Please let us know in the comments below about your favorite process detailing how to install optifine!
👍