diff --git a/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/creative.lua b/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/creative.lua
index 1ab6eda088..1cebed0cdc 100644
--- a/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/creative.lua
+++ b/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/creative.lua
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ mcl_inventory.set_creative_formspec = function(player, start_i, pagenum, inv_siz
 
 			-- Show armor and player image
 			local player_preview
-			if minetest.settings:get_bool("3d_player_preview") then
+			if minetest.settings:get_bool("3d_player_preview", true) then
 				player_preview = mcl_player.get_player_formspec_model(player, 3.9, 1.4, 1.2333, 2.4666, "")
 			else
 				local img, img_player
diff --git a/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/init.lua b/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/init.lua
index 60ed8ba504..0544240515 100644
--- a/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/init.lua
+++ b/mods/HUD/mcl_inventory/init.lua
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ local function set_inventory(player, armor_change_only)
 
 	-- Show armor and player image
 	local player_preview
-	if minetest.settings:get_bool("3d_player_preview") then
+	if minetest.settings:get_bool("3d_player_preview", true) then
 		player_preview = mcl_player.get_player_formspec_model(player, 1.0, 0.0, 2.25, 4.5, "")
 	else
 		local img, img_player
diff --git a/settingtypes.txt b/settingtypes.txt
index 264757db81..7acccf91c6 100644
--- a/settingtypes.txt
+++ b/settingtypes.txt
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ fire_animation_frames (Fire Animation Frames) int 8
 animated_chests (Animated chests) bool true
 
 # Whether to preview the player in inventory in 3D (requires Minetest 5.4)
-3d_player_preview (3D Player preview) bool false
+3d_player_preview (3D Player preview) bool true
 
 [Experimental]
 # Whether ice is translucent. If disabled, ice is fully opaque.