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Open Lights project artwork

CurseForge · Minecraft mod

Open Lights

Adds open sourced shader compatible lighting to minecraft

Choose a version Pick your version below, then grab the matching file.

Quick answer

Which Open Lights release should I use?

Updated 3 days ago
Latest stable file openlights-1.20.1-1.8.1.jar
Game version 1.20.1
Loader Forge

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.

Client Source doesn’t say
Dedicated server Source doesn’t say
Loader for this release Forge
Required install it here Optional supported, not mandatory Not supported do not install here Source doesn’t say do not assume

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.

No extra mods listed for this file

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    Put it on the correct side

    The project page does not say whether this file belongs on the client, dedicated server, or both.

  4. 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.

Source code · Beam configuration guide · Developer API

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.

1 available setups

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

2 of 2 releases match

Looking for an older file? The official CurseForge project page is in Resources.