When it comes to the blocky sandbox sensation known as Minecraft, presentation and performance aren't terribly high on the priority list for many. However, some have found that the optimization mod known as OptiFine has much improved the experience of this vastly-expansive game.

RELATED: Minecraft: Great Biome Mods You Need To Try

This nifty mod joins the list of many fun, useful mods that make this already enticing game even more enjoyable. This guide will touch on the details of this increasingly-popular mod; where to locate it, how to install it, and how to optimize it.

OptiFine's Features

grassy plain with tree and sunset on water running with OptiFine in Minecraft

Created by Minecraft modder sp614, OptiFine is essentially a stabilizer and performance booster for the game. Augmentations and features include an fps boost that roughly doubles, HD texture and shader support, dynamic lights, and far more.

It also spruces up the graphical prowess for players utilizing more powerful hardware. It produces better grass and snow as well as clear water, while generating smoother, connected textures that wipe away the gridlike patterns of repeating blocks. The mod breathes additional life into this blocky game and gives it some next-gen flair. More information regarding OptiFine can be found here.

Where And How To Get OptiFine

Minecraft view of wilderness, hut, and sunset running with OptiFine 2
  • Visit the official website for the mod, optifine.net to access the download that will be used in-game.
    • It's important to keep in mind that OptiFine is only available for Minecraft Java Edition, so those playing the mobile, console, or Education Edition will need to look elsewhere for performance boosts.
  • Click on the "download" tab. This will be the location of the mod that will need to be installed.
  • Click on "show all versions," and a list featuring each installment/updated version of the mod will appear.
  • The version chosen should depend on which version of Minecraft. As of this writing, the latest full release version is 1.17, so the best choice is "Minecraft 1.17.1" which is listed at the top of the page.
OptiFine Website (1)
  • Disregard "Mirror" and "Changelog" and click "download."
    • "Mirror" simply avoids the advertised link, which pops up for a few seconds before downloading. But those who wish to support the developer financially and don't mind waiting for a bit should just click "download."
  • Completing the download will provide users with a JAR file which will be waiting in whatever folder the download has been directed to.
    • There is a chance users will receive a warning from their browser, saying something to the effect of "this type of file can harm your computer." Simply click keep.
  • Locate the executable JAR file and open it with Java Platform SE binary. Make sure that Java is installed and that Minecraft is closed—including the launcher.
    • For those that don't have the program: This video gives a breakdown of how to download and install Java for Minecraft mods & servers. It can be downloaded directly here.
  • The installer should pop up, which reads: "OptiFine HD Ultra J1 for Minecraft."
  • Click on the "install" button. The process should take a handful of seconds, at which point another window will pop up, confirming that the installation was successful.
  • Exit the installer and boot up Minecraft, and the game should now recognize the mod.
Split image of OptiFine for Minecraft installation windows
  • In the Minecraft launcher, there should be a small window in the bottom left corner, which reads "latest release" followed by the current update number. Click on that icon and search for "OptiFine." Click on that icon, and click play.

RELATED: Minecraft: Everything You Need To Know About The DragonFire Mod

  • Players should now be all set and ready to play Minecraft with OptiFine running.
    • If the OptiFine icon does not appear, click on the "installations" tab and click on the "new installations" button. Click on the "version" tab, and locate the file named "OptiFine" from there. Click on the file, and click "create." In the "installations" tab, an icon featuring the name of the server will pop up, with the OptiFine file listed underneath. Click on that file.
    • Additionally—be sure that the "modded" tab on the top right-hand corner is checked so that the OptiFine mod appears in the launcher.

Accessing And Optimizing OptiFine's Features In Minecraft

Minecraft Video Settings with OptiFine

Players can make sure that this mod has been installed, and even tinker with various settings by doing the following:

  • Click on "options" at the Minecraft title screen, followed by "video settings."
    • The name of the OptiFine file will appear in the bottom left of the screen if the mod was correctly installed.
  • Players can now access and modify the various settings shown here, including graphics, render distance, quality, performance, and shaders. Players are now ready to be immersed into an even richer, sleeker Minecraft world. Have fun!

Minecraft was released on November 16, 2011, and is available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, and many other platforms.

MORE: Minecraft: How To Host A Server