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Iris Shaders

Shader pack loader that works with Sodium. Load most OptiFine-format shader packs on Fabric, Quilt or NeoForge.

  • NeoForge
  • Fabric
  • Quilt
By IrisShaders team

Last verified

About Iris Shaders

Iris brings shader packs to Sodium. You keep Sodium’s performance and gain lighting, shadows and water effects from packs such as Complementary or BSL.

Shader packs can be switched while the game is running, so you can compare them without restarting.

Configuration

Each shader pack has its own settings screen inside the shader menu. Lowering shadow quality and shadow distance gives the largest FPS gain.

Compatibility

Minecraft versions with at least one release on Modrinth, synced 2026-11-07. Always download the file that names your exact version and loader.

Supported Minecraft versions per loader
LoaderRangeMinecraft versions
NeoForge1.21 – 26.326.3, 26.2, 26.1.2, 26.1.1, 26.1, 1.21.11, 1.21.10, 1.21.8
All 16 versions

26.3, 26.2, 26.1.2, 26.1.1, 26.1, 1.21.11, 1.21.10, 1.21.8, 1.21.7, 1.21.6, 1.21.5, 1.21.4, 1.21.3, 1.21.2, 1.21.1, 1.21

Fabric1.16.5 – 26.326.3, 26.2, 26.1.2, 26.1.1, 26.1, 1.21.11, 1.21.10, 1.21.9
All 35 versions

26.3, 26.2, 26.1.2, 26.1.1, 26.1, 1.21.11, 1.21.10, 1.21.9, 1.21.8, 1.21.7, 1.21.6, 1.21.5, 1.21.4, 1.21.3, 1.21.2, 1.21.1, 1.21, 1.20.6, 1.20.5, 1.20.4, 1.20.3, 1.20.2, 1.20.1, 1.20, 1.19.4, 1.19.3, 1.19.2, 1.19.1, 1.19, 1.18.2, 1.18.1, 1.18, 1.17.1, 1.17, 1.16.5

Quilt1.16.5 – 1.21.111.21.11, 1.21.10, 1.21.9, 1.21.8, 1.21.7, 1.21.6, 1.21.5, 1.21.4
All 27 versions

1.21.11, 1.21.10, 1.21.9, 1.21.8, 1.21.7, 1.21.6, 1.21.5, 1.21.4, 1.21.3, 1.21.2, 1.21.1, 1.21, 1.20.6, 1.20.5, 1.20.4, 1.20.3, 1.20.2, 1.20.1, 1.20, 1.19.4, 1.19.3, 1.19.2, 1.19.1, 1.19, 1.18.2, 1.17.1, 1.16.5

Requirements and dependencies

  • Sodium for the same Minecraft version and loader.
  • A shader pack (.zip) that supports your Minecraft version.

NeoForge

Required: Sodium

Fabric

Required: Sodium

Quilt

Required: Sodium

Dependencies come from the newest file per loader. Older files may need different versions. Open in dependency finder

How to install Iris Shaders

Install on NeoForge
  1. Install NeoForge for the Minecraft version you want (1.21 – 26.3 supported). See how to install mod loaders.
  2. Download the Iris Shaders file for your exact Minecraft version and NeoForge from an official source.
  3. Download the required dependencies listed above for the same version: Sodium.
  4. Put the .jar files in the mods folder of your game directory or instance.
  5. Launch the NeoForge profile. Check the Mods menu to confirm Iris Shaders loaded.
Install on Fabric
  1. Install Fabric for the Minecraft version you want (1.16.5 – 26.3 supported). See how to install mod loaders.
  2. Download the Iris Shaders file for your exact Minecraft version and Fabric from an official source.
  3. Download the required dependencies listed above for the same version: Sodium.
  4. Most Fabric mods also need Fabric API; this one does not declare it, so only add it if another mod asks for it.
  5. Put the .jar files in the mods folder of your game directory or instance.
  6. Launch the Fabric profile. Check the Mods menu to confirm Iris Shaders loaded.
Install on Quilt
  1. Install Quilt for the Minecraft version you want (1.16.5 – 1.21.11 supported). See how to install mod loaders.
  2. Download the Iris Shaders file for your exact Minecraft version and Quilt from an official source.
  3. Download the required dependencies listed above for the same version: Sodium.
  4. Most Fabric mods also need Fabric API; this one does not declare it, so only add it if another mod asks for it.
  5. Put the .jar files in the mods folder of your game directory or instance.
  6. Launch the Quilt profile. Check the Mods menu to confirm Iris Shaders loaded.

Notes for Iris Shaders

  • Place shader packs in the shaderpacks folder of your game directory, or drag them onto the shader menu.

Common problems and fixes

Black screen or crash when enabling a shader pack.

Update graphics drivers and the shader pack. Try a lighter pack to confirm Iris itself works.

Full guide: Shader problems (Iris and OptiFine)

Iris will not load and the log mentions Sodium.

Install the Sodium version that matches your Iris version and Minecraft version.

Full guide: Missing mod dependencies

Frequently asked questions

How do I open the shader menu?

Press O in game (default), or go to Options → Video Settings → Shader Packs.

Do OptiFine shader packs work?

Most do. Iris reads the same pack format, though some packs use OptiFine-only features.

Official downloads

Download only from these pages. Repost sites often serve outdated or modified files.