How to get Optifine cape in Minecraft

Capes have been a part of Minecraft for quite some time, and players can obtain them through various means. One such example is the Optifine cape, which is provided to the player when they install the Optifine mod. It allows them to apply various shaders to their in-game graphics to create some truly beautiful visuals within the beloved sandbox game.

However, Optifine doesn't stop solely at shaders. It also allows players to apply custom capes to their character. The cape will be bound to their in-game username.

While there are other ways to receive capes in the game through mods and add-ons, Optifine features its own custom cape editor for players to use. This allows players to utilize their own patterns and designs as opposed to those posted online and elsewhere, such as digital storefronts like Minecraft Marketplace.

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Steps to obtain and use an Optifine cape in Minecraft

Players will need to install Optifine in order to receive their custom cape (Image via Mojang/Optifine)

1. Begin by installing Optifine. While you can download and install the mod manually, it's easier to use a modloader such as Forge or Fabric. These frontends allow you to install the mod automatically without needing to move or manipulate any files on your own. Simply search for Optifine via Forge and/or Fabric or download Optifine from its official site and add it to the mod loader manually.
2. Head over to Optifine.net/donate. On this page, you will need to enter your username and tick the checkbox for "Activate cape for Minecraft username." Select your design from the dropdown menu and click on the Paymentwall button.
3. With the Paymentwall button pressed, you'll need to enter your email. This is required for obtaining the cape, deactivating it, or moving it to another username.
4. Paymentwall will open once the email address has been submitted. Enter the appropriate payment information via sources such as a credit/debit card, PayPal, or other pre-paid cards. The cape donation costs a total of $10.
5. Once you have successfully paid your donation, you can re-enter the game with Optifine enabled and open your options from the main menu. Select skin customization, then ensure that the cape button is toggled on. Click the Optifine cape button. From here, you can open the cape editor to change your cape or press the "reload cape" button in case the cape hasn't yet appeared on your character. However, without donating to Optifine, the cape will not appear, and this is stated in the cape editor when you log in.

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How to edit your Optifine cape in the game

1. Once you have installed Optifine, open Minecraft while the mod is loaded.
2. On the main menu, press the "Settings" button and then the "Skin Customization" button.
3. There should be a new option that reads "Optifine Cape" in the skin customization menu. Select this button.
4. Finally, click "Open Cape Editor" to begin editing and setting up your cape for in-game use.

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While it may be unfortunate that the Optifine cape is behind a paywall, the donation money goes to a very good cause.

Donations will be sent to the mod's developers, ensuring they can continue to do their job and update the mod as sequential Minecraft updates are released. It's how great mods like Optifine are able to thrive.