Screenshot 1 of 2. A blocky landscape in rain with the VHS Overlay camcorder display showing REC, timestamps and scanlines.
What VHS Overlay works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Iris, OptiFine |
| Minecraft versions | 1.16.5, 1.17, 1.18.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.6, 1.21.5 |
VHS Overlay is a vanilla-like shader pack for Minecraft Java that makes the screen look like old camcorder footage. Volkan's pack runs on Iris and OptiFine, works on the Java side only, and needs nothing beyond the shader loader.
Shader loaders and versions
- Iris and OptiFine: Minecraft 1.16.5 to 1.21.5.
What the overlay does
The overlay is not a static image. It updates in real time, so the REC marker and timestamp behave like a running recording. The counter shows recording time, not the clock of your PC.
- Classic REC indicator with date and time
- Film grain
- Scan lines
- Chroma shift
The latest update added shader options, new effects and a few custom profiles. The timestamp now follows the time of your Minecraft world.
How to install VHS Overlay
- 1.Install Iris or OptiFine.
- 2.Put the VHS Overlay .zip in your shaderpacks folder, as covered in how to install shaders.
- 3.Open Video Settings, then Shader Packs, and select VHS Overlay.
Trade-offs
This is a screen-effect pack. The page describes an overlay, grain, scan lines and chroma shift, and it does not list changes to lighting, water or shadows. If you want a different take on the tape aesthetic, MC VHS is a similar pack on this site.
Questions about VHS Overlay.
4 questions
How do I install VHS Overlay?
Install Iris or OptiFine, then place the VHS Overlay .zip in the shaderpacks folder. Launch Minecraft Java, open Video Settings, choose Shader Packs and select VHS Overlay. The shader options screen lets you change the effects and choose one of the custom profiles.
Does VHS Overlay work with Iris and OptiFine?
Yes. The newest file lists both Iris and OptiFine as supported loaders and requires nothing else. The range covers Minecraft 1.16.5 to 1.21.5.
Does the VHS Overlay timestamp show my real date and time?
No. The counter works like recording time and runs in real time, and it is not taken from your PC clock. After the latest update, the date and timestamp follow the time of your Minecraft world instead.
Does VHS Overlay work on Bedrock?
No. It is a Java shader pack that needs Iris or OptiFine, and neither loader runs on Bedrock. Bedrock uses a different format for visual packs, so this pack will not load there.
