Screenshot 1 of 6. Cherry blossom biome in Minecraft rendered with Miniature Shader's blocky shadows and water reflections
What Miniature Shader works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Iris, OptiFine |
| Minecraft versions | 1.7.2, 1.16.5, 1.17.1, 1.18.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.6, 1.21.11, 26.1.2, 26.2, 26.3 |
Miniature Shader is a lightweight shader pack for Minecraft Java that adds blocky shadows and reflections while keeping the vanilla, model-like look. It runs on Iris and OptiFine, covers 1.7.2 to 26.3, and sits in Modrinth's potato and low performance categories. The creator's stated goal is to stay close to Minecraft's own appearance without compromising performance.
What Miniature Shader changes
- Blocky shadows that suit Minecraft's geometric style
- Reflections in water, ice and other commonly reflective blocks
- A slight overhaul of emissive lighting
Loaders and Minecraft versions
- Iris: 1.7.2 to 26.3. Iris runs on Fabric or NeoForge.
- OptiFine: 1.7.2 to 26.3.
- Newest release is 2.19 (2026-07-29) on both loaders. It requires no other mods.
- Client side only. The pack is not supported on servers.
How to install Miniature Shader with Iris or OptiFine
- 1.Install Iris (on Fabric or NeoForge) or OptiFine for your Minecraft version.
- 2.Download the Miniature Shader .zip from its Modrinth page.
- 3.Put the .zip in the shaderpacks folder.
- 4.Select Miniature Shader in the loader's shader menu (Video Settings > Shader Packs for Iris).
New to shader loaders? The shader install guide covers the loader step, and Fix Minecraft shaders not working helps if the pack does not show up in the menu.
Performance and trade-offs
The pack is deliberately narrow: shadows, reflections and emissive lighting, nothing more. Modrinth files it under potato and low performance, but it will not give you the heavily reworked look of a realistic pack. Frame rates still depend on your hardware, so try it in your own world.
Questions about Miniature Shader.
6 questions
How do I install Miniature Shader?
Install Iris or OptiFine for your Minecraft version first. Iris runs on Fabric or NeoForge. Then put the Miniature Shader .zip in the shaderpacks folder. Open Video Settings, then Shader Packs, and select Miniature Shader from the list to switch it on.
Does Miniature Shader work with Iris and OptiFine?
Yes. Both loaders have the same range, 1.7.2 to 26.3, and the newest release, 2.19, requires no other mods. Iris runs on Fabric or NeoForge. Pick whichever loader supports the Minecraft version you play.
Is Miniature Shader good for low-end PCs?
It is aimed at them. Modrinth lists it under the potato and low performance categories, and the creator's stated goal is keeping Minecraft's model-like look without compromising performance. Actual frame rates still depend on your hardware, so test it in your own world before settling on it.
Which Minecraft version does Miniature Shader support?
Modrinth lists Iris and OptiFine support from Minecraft 1.7.2 to 26.3, with release 2.19 as the newest. Match the file to your Minecraft version when you download, and make sure your shader loader supports that same version before you load the pack.
What does Miniature Shader actually change?
It adds blocky shadows, reflections in water, ice and other commonly reflective blocks, and a slight overhaul of emissive lighting. The aim is to keep Minecraft's model-like appearance, so it is a small step up from vanilla rather than a full visual rework.
Is there a Miniature Shader for Bedrock?
No. Miniature Shader is Java Edition only. It needs Iris or OptiFine, and both are Java mods that Bedrock cannot run. Bedrock uses a different shader format, so the Java shader zip will not load there.
