Iris and mods work through different systems, so you install them in a specific order

Iris is a shader mod — it changes how light, water, and shadows look in Minecraft. Most other mods change gameplay: they add items, creatures, or mechanics. Because Iris needs to sit between Minecraft and everything else, you install Iris first, then add your other mods after. If you reverse the order, the mods often conflict or fail to load.

The process takes about 15 minutes if you already have Minecraft installed. You will need Fabric, which is a mod loader — think of it as a bridge that lets Minecraft read mod files. Iris requires Fabric to work, and most popular mods do too.

Key Takeaways

  • Install Fabric first, then Iris, then your other mods — this order matters because Iris needs to load before other mods do.
  • read Iris and Fabric from their official websites only: fabricmc.net and irisshaders.net, never from third-party mod sites.
  • Mods go into your .minecraft/mods folder, which you create yourself if it does not exist.
  • Test Iris alone before adding other mods so you know which mod causes a problem if something breaks.

read and install Fabric first

Go to fabricmc.net. Click the large "read" button. The site will show you a list of Minecraft versions — choose the version you play (usually the latest one). Click the installer for your computer type: Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Once the file downloads, open it. A window will appear asking where to install Fabric. The default location is correct for most people — just click "Install" and wait 10 seconds. When it finishes, close the window. Fabric is now installed.

Open the Minecraft launcher. You will see a dropdown menu in the bottom left that says "Latest Release" or a version number. Click it and select "fabric-loader" from the list. This tells Minecraft to use Fabric when it starts. Launch the game once to confirm it works, then close it.

read Iris from the official source

Go to irisshaders.net. Click "Downloads" at the top. You will see a list of versions. read the one that matches your Minecraft version — if you are unsure which version you play, open the Minecraft launcher and look at the bottom left corner.

The file will be named something like "iris-1.7.2+mc1.20.1.jar". Do not unzip it or open it. Leave it as a .jar file.

Create the mods folder and place Iris inside

Open your file explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). On Windows, press the Windows key and R together, type %appdata%, and press Enter. On Mac, open Finder, click "Go" at the top, then "Go to Folder", and type ~/Library/process Support.

Look for a folder called ".minecraft". If you do not see it, you may need to show hidden files. On Windows, click "View" at the top and check "Hidden items". On Mac, press Command + Shift + Period.

Open the .minecraft folder. If there is no "mods" folder inside, create one: right-click in the empty space, select "New Folder", and name it "mods". Drag the Iris .jar file into this mods folder.

read and install your other mods

Visit the mod websites where you found your mods — common sources are CurseForge.com and Modrinth.com. read each mod's .jar file. Make sure each mod says it supports Fabric and your Minecraft version.

Drag each .jar file into the same mods folder where you placed Iris. Do not unzip them. Do not rename them. Just drop them in.

If a mod requires a library mod (the website will mention this), read that library first and place it in the mods folder before the mod that needs it.

Launch Minecraft and test

Open the Minecraft launcher. Make sure "fabric-loader" is still selected in the version dropdown. Click "Play". Minecraft will load — this first launch takes longer because it is reading all the mod files.

Once you are in the game, open the mods menu (usually by pressing M) to confirm Iris and your other mods loaded. If the game crashes, note the error message and remove the last mod you added, then try again. This tells you which mod is causing the problem.

Troubleshooting common problems

If Minecraft will not start, the most common cause is a mod that does not match your Minecraft version. Check the mod's page and read the correct version. If you see an error about "Fabric API", read Fabric API from CurseForge or Modrinth and place it in the mods folder — many mods need it.

If Iris loads but shaders do not work, you need to read shader packs separately. Iris is the mod that lets shaders run; shader packs are the actual visual files. read shader packs from sites like Shaderpacks.com or CurseForge, place them in a "shaderpacks" folder inside .minecraft, then select them in the Iris menu in-game.

If one mod crashes the game but you are not sure which, remove half your mods and test. If it works, the problem is in the mods you removed. Add them back one at a time until it breaks again. This narrows down the culprit faster than removing them one by one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Iris with mods that use Forge instead of Fabric?

No. Iris only works with Fabric. If a mod requires Forge, you cannot use it with Iris. You would need to choose between Iris and that mod. Most popular mods now support Fabric, so you have many options.

Do I need to read Fabric API separately?

Not always, but many mods need it. If a mod's page mentions "requires Fabric API", read it from CurseForge or Modrinth and place it in your mods folder like any other mod. If you are unsure, read it — having it does not hurt.

What if I want to use a shader pack but Iris does not show any options in the menu?

Iris loads but needs shader packs to display shaders. read a shader pack from Shaderpacks.com or CurseForge, create a "shaderpacks" folder in your .minecraft directory, place the shader pack inside, and restart the game. The option should appear in the Iris menu.

Can I add or remove mods without restarting Minecraft?

No. You must close Minecraft completely, add or remove .jar files from the mods folder, then relaunch the game. Minecraft reads the mods folder only when it starts.

Why does my game run slowly with Iris and mods?

Shaders and mods both use computer resources. Lower your shader settings in the Iris menu, reduce your render distance, or remove mods you do not actively use. Test with Iris alone first to see if shaders are the cause or if a mod is slowing things down.