Many players assume that custom player models always require OptiFine. With Magic Shader you do not need OptiFine for your custom model to work. The pack loads the visual changes for your character directly through its shader files.
What this means for your setup
- You do not need to add OptiFine just to see your custom model. Magic Shader handles the character changes on its own.
- If you already run a different shader loader, such as Iris, you can keep that setup.
- Shader packs in general still need a loader to appear under Video Settings > Shader Packs. That requirement has nothing to do with custom models specifically.
Switching over from an OptiFine-based setup
1. Back up your current game folder in case you want to go back.
2. Enable Magic Shader through the menu that matches how it was packaged:
- Shader pack: Video Settings > Shader Packs
- Resource pack: Options > Resource Packs
3. Launch a world and press F5 to view your character in third person.
4. Confirm your model's shape and look are showing correctly.
5. Once you're satisfied, you can remove OptiFine if you only kept it for custom models.
If you also used OptiFine for other features, such as zoom or connected textures, keep in mind that removing it also removes those features. Magic Shader only covers your character model.