How to Zoom in Minecraft

Last Updated: November 28, 2022

Zooming isn't a native feature in Minecraft. However, the OptiFine mod for Minecraft: Java Edition adds improved graphics and the ability to zoom. Minecraft: Java Edition is available on PC, Mac, and Linux computers. You cannot install mods on Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition or Minecraft for smartphones or game consoles. However, you can lower the field-of-view (FOV) in the Settings menu, which makes objects appear a little closer. This wikiHow teaches you how to zoom using the OptiFine mod and how to lower the FOV in the Settings menu.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the OptiFine Mod in Minecraft: Java Edition

1
Go to https://optifine.net/downloads in a web browser. This is the website to download the OptiFine mod. OptiFine is an improved graphics mod that adds the ability to zoom in Minecraft, among other things. It also includes improved graphics, high definition textures, dynamic lighting, realistic water, and more.
- In order to install OptiFine or any other mods, you need Minecraft: Java Edition for PC, Mac, or Linux. You cannot install mods on Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition or Minecraft for mobile devices or game consoles.
- Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition is different from Minecraft: Java Edition. You cannot install Optifine on Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition. You can find out which version you are playing by launching the game and checking to see if it says "Java Edition" or "Windows 10 Edition" below "Minecraft" on the title screen.
2
Click (Mirror). It's to the right of the latest version of the OptiFine mod. This takes you to a direct download for the OptiFine mod.
- If you click the button that says Download, you will be taken to an adware website that may contain malicious software.^{[1]
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3
Click Download. It's below the latest version of OptiFine. This downloads a ".jar" file for the latest version of OptiFine to your Downloads folder.
- This file may be flagged as potentially harmful by your web browser or Antivirus program. If asked if you want to keep the file, click Keep or a similar option to confirm you want to download this file.
- OptiFine may cause your game to run slower if your PC has a slower graphics card or processor.
4
Double-click the OptiFine ".jar" file. The OptiFine ".jar" file you just downloaded can be found in your Downloads folder. Double-click the file to begin the installation process.
- If the file doesn't open, or it doesn't have an icon that resembles a coffee cup, you need to install the latest version of Java.
5
Click Install. This installs the OptiFine mod for Minecraft.
- You must run the latest version of Minecraft in the Minecraft launcher at least once before you can install the OptiFine mod.
6
Click Ok. Once the mod is installed, you will see a pop-up alert informing you the mod was successfully installed. Click Ok to close the window.
7
Open the Minecraft Launcher. The Minecraft Launcher has an icon that resembles a grass block. Click the icon in your Windows Start menu or Applications folder to open the Minecraft launcher.
8
Select the OptiFine mod. Use the drop-down menu to the left of the green "Play" button to select "OptiFine".
- If you don't see OptiFine in the drop-down menu next to the "Play" button, click Installations at the top of the launcher. Then click New in the upper-left corner. Type a name for the installation (i.e. "OptiFine"). Then use the "Version" menu to select the version with "OptiFine" in the title.
9
Click Play. It's the green button in the bottom-center of the launcher. This launches a new game of Minecraft with the OptiFine mod enabled.
10
Click Singleplayer, Multiplayer, or Realms. Local single-player games can be found under the "Singleplayer" option. Game servers can be found under "Multiplayer." Games that are part of your Minecraft Realms subscription can be found under "Realms".
11
Select a game and click Play Selected World or Join Server. This either loads your Minecraft game or connects you to a multiplayer server.
- Alternatively, you can click Create New World to start a new game.
- Servers with lots of players and lots of detail may be especially slow with OptiFine.
12
Press and hold C. When the OptiFine mod is enabled, you can zoom by pressing and holding the "C" key.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Lowering The Field of View in Minecraft: Java Edition

1
Open the Minecraft Launcher. The Minecraft Launcher has an icon that resembles a grass block. Click the icon in your Windows Start menu or Applications folder to open the Minecraft launcher. The Minecraft launcher can be used to launch Minecraft:
- Using a lower field of view reduces the number of objects on-screen and zooms in on the objects in your center view. This won't zoom in by a lot, but it will make objects appear significantly closer.
- Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition is different from Minecraft: Java Edition. You can find out which version you are playing by launching the game and checking to see if it says "Java Edition" or "Windows 10 Edition" below "Minecraft" on the title screen.
2
Click Play. It's the green button in the bottom-center of the launcher. This launches Minecraft.
3
Click Singleplayer, Multiplayer, or Realms. Local single-player games can be found under the "Singleplayer" option. Game servers can be found under "Multiplayer." Games that are part of your Minecraft Realms subscription can be found under "Realms".
4
Select a game and click Play Selected World or Join Server. This either loads your Minecraft game or connects you to a multiplayer server.
- Alternatively, you can click Create New World to start a new game.
5
Press Esc. This opens the Game Menu.
6
Click Options…. It's the fourth button on the left in the Game Menu.
7
Drag slider bar in the "FOV" box to the left. The "FOV" bar is at the top of the Options menu and to the left. Drag the FOV bar to the left to lower your field of view. This will make objects appear significantly closer.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Lowering Your Field of View in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

1
Open Minecraft. This method works on Minecraft for smartphones and tablets, game consoles, and Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition.
- Using a lower field of view reduces the number of objects on-screen and zooms in on the objects in your center view. This won't zoom in by a lot, but it will make objects appear significantly closer.
- Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition is different from Minecraft: Java Edition. You can find out which version you are playing by launching the game and checking to see if it says "Java Edition" or "Windows 10 Edition" below "Minecraft" on the title screen.
2
Click or tap Play. It's the first button at the top of the title page. This displays saved games for you to play.
3
Select or create a new game. Click a game to load it. Single-player games are under the "Worlds" tab. Click Create New to start a new game. You can join a friend's game under the "Friends" tab, or join a multiplayer game under the "Servers" tab.
4
Open the game menu. To open the Game Menu, tap the icon that resembles a pause button with two vertical lines at the top on smartphones and tablets. On game consoles, press the "Options", "Menu (☰)", or "+" button to open the game menu. On Windows 10 Edition, press the "Esc" button.
5
Select Settings. It's the second option in the game menu. This displays the Settings menu where you can adjust your game preferences.
6
Select Video. It's towards the bottom of the Settings menu in the left panel. It's the second option under "General."
7
Lower the slider bar below "FOV." It's in the panel to the right about halfway down the menu. This lowers the field of view. Using a lower field of view will make objects appear significantly closer.

Community Q&A

Question

Does this work on the regular Minecraft servers?

Community Answer

Yes, most. Some servers ban it.
Question

Do I need Forge to use OptiFine?

Community Answer

No you can download OptiFine with or without Forge.
Question

In servers like Jartex network it doesn't allow me to zoom, I downloaded everything. What should I do?

Raai0100

Community Answer

Maybe they don't allow you to zoom as it is banned. You should check with the owner of the server.