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Pixelated Shaders FAQ

10 questions players actually ask, answered.

How do I turn on Pixelated Shaders?
Open your Video Settings, go to Shaders, and select Pixelated Shaders from the list. Make sure you have Iris installed as your shader loader before the shader will appear as an option.
Why is my game so dark with Pixelated Shaders?
Adjust the brightness slider in your Video Settings under Shaders, or check the shader's own settings menu (usually accessed by clicking the shader name). You can also increase Contrast to make details pop more.
Can I use Pixelated Shaders on a laptop?
Yes, Pixelated Shaders is designed to run on older hardware and laptops. If you still experience lag, lower your render distance, disable clouds, or reduce other graphics settings in Video Options.
Does Pixelated Shaders work with resource packs?
Yes, Pixelated Shaders works alongside resource packs, though some packs may look different than intended since the shader changes lighting and colors. Vanilla-style resource packs tend to pair best with this shader.
Why do I have low fps with Pixelated Shaders?
Check your render distance (lower it to 12 chunks or less), disable fancy graphics, and make sure your GPU drivers are up to date. You can also disable shadow quality in the shader settings if available.
Does Pixelated Shaders change block textures?
No, Pixelated Shaders only changes lighting, colors, and how light interacts with blocks—it doesn't alter the actual textures themselves. Your blocks will look the same shape but with softer, more natural lighting.
Can I use Pixelated Shaders in multiplayer?
Yes, shaders are client-side only, so you can use Pixelated Shaders on any multiplayer server without needing the server to have it installed.
Why do caves look weird or too bright?
This is often due to the shader's lighting calculations in dark areas. Try adjusting the brightness and contrast settings, or check if there's a cave lighting option in the shader's settings menu.
Does Pixelated Shaders add new blocks or items?
No, Pixelated Shaders is purely visual—it only changes how the game looks, not what blocks or items exist in your world.
How is Pixelated Shaders different from other vanilla shaders?
Pixelated Shaders prioritizes performance and a clean, soft look over realism, making it ideal for older computers while still improving the game's appearance significantly compared to vanilla lighting.