Make Your Own RT Shaders FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I turn on ray-traced shadows after installing the mod?
Load the shader pack in your world settings, then open the shader options menu (usually accessible from Video Settings). Look for the ray-tracing or shadow section and enable ray-traced shadows—the mod's video guides walk through each toggle and what it does.
Why do my reflections look wrong on water?
Water reflection quality depends on your shader settings and render distance. Check the Customize Water Reflections guide to adjust reflection accuracy and sky detail—lower settings reduce lag but may show less detail.
Can I edit the shader code myself or do I need to know programming?
The mod is designed for learners; the included video guides explain shader code line-by-line so you can understand and modify it without prior experience. Start with the Edit Shader Code for Custom Effects guide to see how changes affect your world.
What's the difference between ray-traced light bouncing and regular lighting?
Ray-traced light bouncing simulates realistic light reflecting off nearby blocks and surfaces multiple times, creating softer shadows and more natural illumination. Regular lighting is faster but doesn't account for light bouncing between surfaces.
My game is lagging with this shader—what should I reduce?
Ray-tracing is performance-intensive; try lowering render distance, reducing shadow quality, or disabling light bouncing in shader options. The mod's guides explain which settings have the biggest performance impact.
Do ray-traced shadows work indoors or only outside?
Ray-traced shadows work anywhere, but they're most noticeable outdoors where sunlight creates clear shadow patterns. Indoors, shadows depend on your light sources and shader settings—experiment with different configurations in enclosed spaces.
Can I use this shader with other visual mods like texture packs?
Yes, this shader works with most texture packs, though some combinations may look unusual. Test your favorite texture pack with the shader and adjust reflection or light settings if colors or lighting seem off.
How do I understand what each line of shader code does?
Watch the video guides included with the mod—they break down shader code section by section and show how each part affects your world. The Understand and Modify Light Bouncing guide is a good starting point for learning the basics.
Why do some blocks look too bright or too dark with ray tracing on?
This usually means light bouncing or shadow settings need adjustment for your specific world. Use the shader options menu to fine-tune light intensity and shadow softness, or refer to the guides for recommended starting values.
Can I turn off ray tracing for specific areas or just use it selectively?
The shader applies globally to your world, but you can disable ray-traced features in the shader options menu and re-enable them as needed. Some players create separate worlds with different shader configurations for different playstyles.