How to Install ArtCraft Launcher and Verify the Craft App Suite
ArtCraft Launcher is a native, open-source installer designed for the Craft App Suite. It simplifies the process of managing 13 different development applications by providing a single interface to select builds, verify integrity, and install tools. This guide explains how to navigate the launcher's workflow, ensuring you download the correct package for your operating system and processor architecture while maintaining security through checksum verification.
Written against the build verified on 2026-10-21.
1. Identify Your Operating System and Architecture
Before downloading, determine your specific environment. ArtCraft Launcher supports Windows (x86, x64, arm64), macOS (universal Apple silicon and Intel), Linux (x86_64, aarch64, and selected RISC-V assets), and FreeBSD (x86_64). The release v0.6.0 provides distinct file formats for each platform: MSI installers and portable zips for Windows, DMG for macOS, and AppImage, deb, rpm, Flatpak, or tar.gz files for Linux and FreeBSD. Match your processor type to the available architecture to ensure compatibility.
2. Download the Launcher and Checksum File
Navigate to the OpenCraftTools page for ArtCraft Launcher. The tool redirects you to the official upstream GitHub release assets to prevent mirroring. Download the specific installer for your platform, such as the MSI for Windows or DMG for macOS. Simultaneously, download the SHA256SUMS.txt file listed on the page. This text file contains the cryptographic hashes for all published release assets. Both files are essential for the next step.
3. Verify Integrity Using SHA-256 Checksums
OpenCraftTools emphasizes a checksum-aware install process. Before executing the installer, you must verify that the downloaded file matches the published asset. Use a terminal or command prompt to calculate the SHA-256 hash of your downloaded installer file. Compare this value against the corresponding entry in the SHA256SUMS.txt file. This step proves the file has not been tampered with or corrupted. Note that this verifies the file matches the release, not that the early-alpha software is suitable for all production workflows.
4. Install or Update the Craft App Suite
Once the checksum matches, run the installer. On Windows, the MSI will guide you through the installation process. On macOS, drag the application to your Applications folder. On Linux and FreeBSD, extract or install the provided package using your system’s package manager or terminal. The launcher is designed to install or update the suite, allowing you to open the 13 Craft apps from one native window or system-tray entry. Version 0.4.1 added FigCraft to this suite, and the launcher manages these versions centrally.
5. Access Tools from the Native Window
After installation, launch ArtCraft Launcher. It displays the 13-app suite, including FigCraft, showing which versions are currently installed. You can open any tool directly from this interface without hunting through separate release pages. The launcher keeps the updater on the same verification path, ensuring that future updates also undergo checksum validation. This centralizes your workflow, making it easier to manage multiple development tools in one place.
Checklist
- Confirm your operating system and processor architecture (e.g., x86_64 or arm64).
- Download both the platform-specific installer and the SHA256SUMS.txt file.
- Calculate the SHA-256 hash of the installer and compare it to the text file.
- Run the installer only after the checksum verification passes.
- Launch the application to verify access to the 13 Craft apps.