CurseForge · Minecraft mod
Open Lights
Adds open sourced shader compatible lighting to minecraft
Quick answer
Which Open Lights release should I use?
Open Lights openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar targets 1.20.1 with Forge. The project page does not say whether this file belongs on the client, dedicated server, or both. No extra mods listed for this file.
Where it goes
Is Open Lights required on the client, server, or both?
The project page does not say whether this file belongs on the client, dedicated server, or both.
The source does not explicitly classify this release as client-only or server-only.
What else does Open Lights openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar need?
openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar. Change the file and its required mods may change too.
This file does not list any required mods. Do not add a library just because a different file uses it.
This file does not list any required or optional mods.
Before you install it
Add Open Lights without breaking your instance.
Built for Open Lights openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar. Pick another file and the loader, install side or required mods may change.
- 01
Stick to this file
Use openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar. It targets 1.20.1 with Forge; another release may have different loader, side or dependency requirements.
- 02
Bring the mods it needs
This file does not list any required mods. Do not add a library just because a different file uses it.
- 03
Put it on the correct side
The project page does not say whether this file belongs on the client, dedicated server, or both.
- 04
Pick the file you checked
Use the “Get this file” button beside openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar. It opens that exact file at the source.
About this project
What does Open Lights add?
Open Lights
Open Lights adds handheld flashlights and placeable lighting to Minecraft Forge 1.20.1, with visible light beams, block shadows, and colored light passing through stained glass.
Carry a flashlight while exploring, aim a spotlight down a hallway, or light a room with point and rectangular area lights.
Features
- Handheld flashlight: works in either hand. Right-click to toggle; no batteries required.
- Placeable lights: craft point lights, directional spotlights, and rectangular area lights. Toggle them, adjust their range, and apply dyes to change their color.
- Volumetric beams: visible fog and floating dust inside flashlight beams.
- Colored transmission: clear glass lets light through, stained glass colors it, and tinted glass blocks it. Water and ice also affect transmission.
- Block shadows: walls and other block shapes obstruct light. Entity models do not currently cast shadows.
- Custom beam profiles: configure inner and outer beam colors, brightness, angles, range, softness, and falloff independently.
Configuration and performance
Set beam defaults in the server config, or use datapacks to customize individual light profiles. Profiles synchronize when players join and update through /reload.
Client settings control rendering resolution, shadow quality, beam range, dust, and light limits. Cached geometry and reusable shadow maps reduce repeated work. The renderer supports up to eight nearby lights, with shadows on up to four.
TaCZ integration
The optional TACZ Open Lights addon connects TaCZ weapon flashlight attachments to Open Lights, including animated attachment positioning and synchronized toggles.
Requirements and compatibility
Requires **Forge 47.4.10 or newer, *Minecraft 1.20.1*, and *Java 17*. Install Open Lights on both the client and server.
Tested with Embeddium 0.3.31, Oculus 1.8.0, and Complementary Reimagined r5.9.3. Other shader packs, OptiFine, and Distant Horizons are currently untested.
Modpacks and source
Modpack and server use is permitted, including monetized packs and servers, under the license terms.
Project description from CurseForge.
Pick your setup
Open Lights by Minecraft version and loader
Choose the version and loader you play, then open the matching release.
Check the dependencies, then try the file in a copied instance before changing a world you care about.
Recent files
Open Lights versions and loaders
openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar
3 Oct 2026
openlights-1.20.1-1.1.1.jar
20 Sept 2026
Looking for an older file? The official CurseForge project page is in Resources.