Cinematic Zoom
by Smallinger
Cinematic Zoom adds a smooth zoom with optional letterbox bars, a mouse wheel control and a default key, for players who want a wider cinematic view.
What it does
Cinematic Zoom is a client-side mod. Zoom is applied to the player's own view, and the camera movement is smoothed while it changes. Players can hold the zoom key and adjust the level with the mouse wheel, and the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen can be resized or switched off in the settings.
An optional setting hides the crosshair while zoom is active, which keeps the frame clean for screenshots and recordings. Every option is exposed through the NeoForge configuration screen, so a player can tune the behavior without editing files. The mod runs on a server too, but only the client changes what is shown; a server running it gains nothing extra. Files are published for NeoForge 1.21.1, and the source code and issue tracker are public under the MIT License, which makes the mod open source.
Key features
Smooth zoom
Zoom changes gradually instead of snapping, giving the view a steady motion when the key is pressed.
Mouse wheel control
The zoom level follows the mouse wheel while the zoom key is held, so the amount can be set quickly.
Adjustable letterbox bars
Black bars framing the screen can be adjusted in size, or removed for a plain zoomed view.
Crosshair hiding
The crosshair can be hidden during zoom, which is useful for clean screenshots and footage.
Settings screen
All options can be changed through the NeoForge configuration screen, including the default zoom key.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Players who record footage or take screenshots, and players who want a closer view of the world without changing their character's position.
How it compares
Zoooom is published for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge across 1.21.1 – 1.21.4, is client-side only and is released under the MIT License. Idle Lens is a NeoForge mod for 1.21.1 that runs on the server only, so players join without it, and its license is also MIT. Scripted Vision runs on both client and server for 1.21.1, and it is not open source. Cinematic Zoom works on the client alone, on NeoForge 1.21.1 only.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematic Zoom | NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 1.21.10 | Client-side only | 2025-11-12 |
| Zoooom | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 1.21.4 | Client-side only | 2025-03-03 |
| Idle Lens | NeoForge | 1.21.1 | Server-side only | 2026-07-14 |
| Scripted Vision | NeoForge | 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-07-11 |
Questions
Does Cinematic Zoom need to be installed on the server?
Which Minecraft versions does Cinematic Zoom support?
Can the zoom be changed without editing files?
In the catalog
Cinematic Zoom is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 1,250 Optimization mods for NeoForge. 15,569 mods support Minecraft 1.21.10.
More from Smallinger
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What the author says
A lightweight client-side mod that adds smooth cinematic zoom with optional black bars, HUD hiding, and smooth camera movement – perfect for screenshots, videos, or a more immersive gameplay experience. For more details, source code, and updates: GitHub Repository
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/cinematiczoom
- Owner
- Smallinger
- Published
- 2025-11-10
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-11-12
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15