Minecraft Zoom ModHold C and look closer.

Zoom is built into the Laby Client: hold a key, scroll to get even closer and choose how the view glides in. No spyglass, no OptiFine, on every version from 1.8.9.

  • Free
  • Minecraft 1.8.9 to the latest release
  • Windows, macOS and Linux
Hold C and the pillager outpost far away fills the screen, let go and the view glides back.
C
Zoom Key

One key, held or toggled

Zoom sits on C, the key most players already reach for. Move it to any other key or to a side button on your mouse. Hold it to zoom, or turn off Hold Zoom and press once to zoom in and once more to zoom out.

  • Default key: C
  • Any key or mouse button
  • Hold Zoom on: zooms while you hold the key
  • Hold Zoom off: press once to zoom, again to stop
  • Show hand in first person off hides your item while you zoom
The Zoom settings in the Mods menu, with their defaults: C, Hold Zoom on, Scroll to zoom off, distance 4.0 and the transitions.
The Zoom settings in the Mods menu, with their defaults: C, Hold Zoom on, Scroll to zoom off, distance 4.0 and the transitions.
Zoom Distance

Zoom exactly as far as you want

The zoom divides your field of view by the distance you set. At the default 4.0, a 70° view narrows to 17.5° and the tower on the horizon fills the screen. Go up to 10 for a scope, or below 1.0 for a view wider than normal.

  • From 0.6 to 10, in steps of 0.1
  • Default 4.0: 70° becomes 17.5°
  • Below 1.0 zooms out instead of in
  • The zoomed view never gets narrower than 10°
Zoom Distance 0,6Zoom Distance 1,0Zoom Distance 2,0Zoom Distance 4,0Zoom Distance 10FOV 17,5° · 4,0× closer
Zoom Distance
Scroll to Zoom

Scroll while you zoom to get closer

Turn on Scroll to zoom and the mouse wheel changes the distance while you hold the zoom key. Your hotbar slot stays where it is, and the moment you let go, the zoom is back at your setting.

  • Off by default, one switch turns it on
  • A quarter step per notch, finer when you zoom out far
  • Does not change your hotbar slot while zooming
  • Resets when you let go of the key
Scroll to zoom switched on: hold C, scroll up to get closer and down to see more. Let go and the zoom is back at 4.0.
C
Zoom Transition

Choose how the zoom glides in

Pick a curve for zooming in and another for zooming out, and how long each one takes. Ease Out starts fast and settles gently, Bounce overshoots a little and springs back, No Transition cuts straight to the zoom.

  • No Transition, Linear, Ease In, Ease Out, Ease In Out, Bounce
  • Zoom in: Ease Out, zoom out: Ease In by default
  • 50 to 300 ms each, 100 ms by default
  • One switch turns all transitions off
No TransitionLinearEase OutBounce
Four curves at 300 ms, zooming in and out at the same moment. Bounce overshoots and springs back.
Cinematic Camera

Smooth aim while you zoom

Zoomed in, every twitch of your hand moves the view several times as much. The Laby Client turns on the game's cinematic camera while you zoom, so the picture glides instead of shaking, and turns it back off the moment you let go.

  • On by default
  • Only while zooming, your normal mouse stays as it is
  • Optional: stay smooth until the zoom-out has finished
  • Turn it off if you want raw aim
Raw mouseCinematic Camera
The same shaky hand while zoomed in: the raw mouse above, the Cinematic Camera below.
Zoom vs Spyglass

Why not just use the spyglass?

The spyglass is a nice item since Minecraft 1.17, but you have to craft it, hold it and look through its scope at one fixed zoom. The Laby Client zoom is a key: on any version, with any item in your hand, as far as you like.

Spyglass
Spyglass
Laby Client Zoom
Laby Client Zoom · 4,0
Spyglass and Laby Client zoom compared
Spyglass and Laby Client zoom comparedSpyglassLaby Client Zoom
Versions1.17 and newer1.8.9 to the latest
What you need2 copper ingots and an amethyst shardA key
In your handThe spyglassWhatever you like
Zoom levelOne fixed level0.6 to 10, plus scrolling
Your viewThe scope's frame around itThe whole screen
MovingYou walk slowly while lookingAs usual
What players zoom for

Three moments the zoom pays off

Scouting, finding your way and taking screenshots: a closer look helps everywhere.

  • Scout before the fight

    Scout before the fight

    See who is on the next island, what they wear and where they are heading, long before they are close. Once the fight starts, the PvP mods take over.

  • Spot where to go next

    Spot where to go next

    From a hilltop, zoom over the forest to the next biome, a village or a temple before you walk there.

  • Frame the perfect shot

    Frame the perfect shot

    Zoom in, let the cinematic camera settle and press F2. The screenshot tools take it from there.

Want a wider view instead of a closer one? Set your field of view with the FOV Changer.

Questions and answers

How do I zoom in Minecraft?

Install the Laby Client and hold C. The view zooms in while you hold the key and goes back when you let go. The key, the distance and the transition can all be changed in the settings.

Is this an alternative to the OptiFine zoom?

Yes. It sits on C like the OptiFine zoom and works without OptiFine. On top you set the distance from 0.6 to 10, scroll while zooming and pick how it glides in and out.

Which Minecraft versions have the zoom?

Every version the Laby Client supports, from 1.8.9 to the latest release. The spyglass item only exists from 1.17.

Can I zoom with a mouse button?

Yes. The Zoom Key takes any key or mouse button, a side button on your mouse works well.

How do I zoom in further?

Raise the Zoom Distance up to 10, or turn on Scroll to zoom and use the mouse wheel while you hold the key.

Can I turn off the smooth camera while zooming?

Yes. Switch off Cinematic Camera in the zoom settings and the zoomed view follows your mouse exactly.

Hold C and look around

Download the Laby Client and the zoom is ready on your first start. Free, on every version from 1.8.9.

Free, no account beyond your Minecraft one. Every mod is already inside.