How to Install OptiFine (Java)

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Download OptiFine free from optifine.net, run the .jar and click Install - it adds an OptiFine profile to your launcher. To combine it with Forge mods, drop the OptiFine .jar into the mods folder instead.

What you need

Minecraft Java Edition
Java installed (to run the .jar)
The OptiFine download matching your Minecraft version

Step by step

Run your target Minecraft version once in the launcher first - OptiFine can only patch versions that exist on your PC.
Download OptiFine from optifine.net > Downloads, picking the exact Minecraft version. It is free - the official site is the only safe source.
Double-click the downloaded .jar and click Install. It creates an OptiFine profile in the launcher.
Select the OptiFine profile on the Play tab and launch. New video settings appear: shaders support, zoom (C), dynamic lights and performance toggles.
With Forge mods: skip the installer - put the OptiFine .jar directly into .minecraft/mods and launch your Forge profile.
Fabric users: OptiFine does not work natively with Fabric - use Sodium plus Iris instead for the same features.
Trouble? A 'version not found' error means the game version and OptiFine version do not match.

Java vs Bedrock

Java Edition only. Bedrock cannot use OptiFine - performance and shaders on Bedrock come from the built-in settings and Vibrant Visuals.

Versions: Each Minecraft release needs its matching OptiFine build. New game versions sometimes take days or weeks to get a stable OptiFine - preview builds appear first.

Frequently asked questions

Is OptiFine free?

Yes, completely free from optifine.net. Sites selling OptiFine or offering 'premium' downloads are scams.

OptiFine or Sodium?

OptiFine is all-in-one and simple (shaders, zoom, FPS). Sodium + Iris on Fabric usually wins on raw FPS and mod compatibility - pick the ecosystem your other mods use.