Canvas Renderer
by grondag
Canvas Renderer is a rendering library for Fabric and Quilt that lets modders build custom pipeline shaders, dynamic models and material effects for Minecraft.
What it does
Canvas gives content creators a way to replace the default rendering pipeline with shaders that add visual improvements similar to shader packs. Creators can define custom materials with emissive, layered and other effects, plus shader animations and procedural effects, and use them on blocks and items.
Canvas also supports dynamic models for blocks and items, and configuration through JSON loaders. Creators who want to customize existing content without writing Java code can rely on those loaders instead. The library runs on the client only, so servers and players without the mod can still join. Files are published for Fabric and Quilt, for 11 game versions 1.17.1 – 1.20.2, under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only, and the source code is open source.
Key features
Pipeline shaders
Replaces the default rendering pipeline with shaders that add visual effects similar to shader packs.
Custom materials
Materials can combine emissive, layered and other effects, with custom shaders for animation and procedural looks.
Dynamic models
Blocks and items can be drawn with dynamic models built by the creator, not only static textures.
JSON loaders
Creators can customize existing content through JSON files, without writing Java code.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.20.x3 of 3 versions with builds
1.19.x4 of 4 versions with builds
1.18.x3 of 3 versions with builds
1.17.x1 of 1 version with builds
This mod also publishes snapshot builds. Snapshots are not shown in the matrix.
Use cases
Shader creation
Creators who want to build their own visual effects for the game can use the pipeline and material system as a base.
Enhancing modded content
Players and creators can access and extend the visuals of other mods that use the library's models and materials.
Who it’s for: Content creators and modders who build shaders, materials or models. Players who only want to run a shader pack do not need this library themselves.
How it compares
UltralightFabric is a Fabric-only, client-side mod for 1.18.1, open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only. Satin API covers Fabric and Quilt for 1.18 – 1.21.4 under the same license, and is also client-side only. CustomGLTF is Fabric-only, for 1.20.1 – 1.20.6, and is released under the MIT License.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas Renderer | Fabric and Quilt | 1.17.1 – 1.20.2 | Client-side only | 2024-01-21 |
| UltralightFabric | Fabric | 1.18.1 | Client-side only | 2021-12-31 |
| Satin API | Fabric and Quilt | 1.18 – 1.21.4 | Client-side only | 2025-04-19 |
| CustomGLTF | Fabric | 1.20.1 – 1.20.6 | Client-side only | 2026-08-28 |
Questions
Which loaders does Canvas Renderer support?
Does Canvas Renderer need to be installed on a server?
Which game versions have files?
In the catalog
Canvas Renderer is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,348 Library mods for Fabric. 12,076 mods support Minecraft 1.20.2.
More from grondag
Similar mods
What the author says
Canvas is in an extended beta. Many features are complete but expect some mod incompatibilities and visual defects. Visit our discord for news, dev builds, and information.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/canvas
- Owner
- grondag
- Published
- 2021-08-16
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2024-01-21
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15