Aerlib: Shaders
by DrunkCatgirl
Aerlib: Shaders is a Fabric library that restores older secret setting shaders, such as Sobel Creeper, for 1.21.1 and later versions.
What it does
The library brings back shaders that were available in 1.21.1 but are no longer present in later releases. Shaders still called through the minecraft namespace need the mod's directory input to load, so existing shader setups can keep working without building a required resource pack. The author also notes that the mod can enable the library mods and datapacks it was made for, and that it was first made to let the Origins mod work as a general library.
The mod is small and lightweight. It runs on the client and the server, so the server and every player need it. Builds cover 1.21.1 – 1.21.11, and the latest Fabric file is 1.0.0 for 1.21.11, published on 2026-07-04. The code is not open source, and the mod is released under All rights reserved.
Key features
Restored secret shaders
Older secret setting shaders, including Sobel Creeper, return to the game after being removed in later versions.
Minecraft namespace input
Shaders still called through the minecraft namespace can use the mod's directory input instead of a rewritten file.
Lightweight library
The mod is small and adds little overhead, with no extra resource pack required.
Datapack and library activation
The mod can activate library mods and datapacks that rely on the restored shader set.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x11 of 11 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Shader packs on modded servers
Servers that rely on older shader setups can restore them without a separate pack, since the server also runs the mod.
Origins-based setups
The mod was first written so the Origins mod could work as a general library for other mods.
Who it’s for: Players and server owners who want the older secret setting shaders back on 1.21.1 or later builds, and who keep shader setups that refer to the minecraft namespace.
How it compares
Luminance is a Fabric and Quilt library that is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only and needs the client, with the server optional. Satin API is a Fabric and Quilt client-side library, open source under the same license, covering 1.18 – 1.21.4. Aerlib: Shaders runs on both client and server and covers 1.21.1 – 1.21.11.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerlib: Shaders | Fabric | 1.21.1 – 1.21.11 | Client and server | 2026-07-04 |
| Luminance | Fabric and Quilt | 1.20.5 – 1.21.11 | Client required, server optional | 2026-07-28 |
| Satin API | Fabric and Quilt | 1.18 – 1.21.4 | Client-side only | 2025-04-19 |
Questions
Does Aerlib: Shaders need to be installed on the server?
Which loader does Aerlib: Shaders support?
Does Aerlib: Shaders require a resource pack?
In the catalog
Aerlib: Shaders is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,348 Library mods for Fabric. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
Similar mods
What the author says
A small, fairly lightweight mod that restores the old secret settings shaders such as Sobel, Creeper and Pencil. All shaders are still called using namespace "minecraft:" so no need to use the mod's directory, simply input as you would have in previous versions. Please note: This mod does not give you the ability to…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/aerlib_shaders
- Owner
- DrunkCatgirl
- Published
- 2026-07-04
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-07-04
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15