Select the Correct Platform Package

Begin by identifying your operating system and CPU architecture. For Windows users, choose between ARM64, X64, or X86. Most modern desktops use X64, while specialized devices may use ARM64. Windows downloads are available as portable ZIP files or MSI installers. For macOS, select the Universal DMG file which supports both Intel and Apple Silicon chips. Linux users must match their specific distribution and architecture. Options include AppImage for portable use, DEB for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu, RPM for Fedora-based systems, Flatpak for sandboxed environments, and PKG.TAR.ZST for Arch-based systems. FreeBSD users should select the X64 tarball. If you are unsure, the X64 options are the standard for most hardware.

Download and Verify Integrity

Once you have selected the correct file, click the download button to retrieve the asset directly from GitHub. Because this is an early alpha version, verifying the file is crucial to ensure no corruption occurred during transfer. After the download completes, locate the SHA256SUMS.txt file associated with the release. Use a terminal command or a digital signature tool to generate the hash of your downloaded file. Compare this hash against the value listed in SHA256SUMS.txt. If they match, the file is intact. If they do not match, delete the file and re-download it, as a mismatch indicates a corrupted download.

Installation Steps by Operating System

For Windows, run the MSI installer if you want a permanent installation with start menu shortcuts, or extract the portable ZIP to a folder if you prefer a standalone binary. For macOS, open the DMG file and drag the ArtCraft Launcher application to your Applications folder. You may need to adjust security settings in System Preferences to allow the app to run. For Linux, use your native package manager. Install the DEB or RPM file using your system's package tool, or run the AppImage directly by making it executable. Flatpak users should import the file via their software center. Once installed, launch the application. It acts as a frontend for the Craft App Suite, allowing you to manage and start creative applications.

Launching and Using the Launcher

ArtCraft Launcher is designed as a bridge to the Craft App Suite. When you open the application, it initializes the necessary local components. As an early alpha version, expect some interface elements to be in development. The tool is free to use and does not require an account. Use the launcher to access the suite's features. If you encounter issues, check the official release notes linked on the download page for known bugs or workarounds specific to v0.6.1. The source code is available under MIT or Apache-2.0 licenses, so advanced users can inspect the binaries if needed for troubleshooting.

Checklist

• Identify your OS and architecture before downloading.
• Download the file directly from the official GitHub release link.
• Verify the SHA256 hash against SHA256SUMS.txt.
• Install using the appropriate method for your platform (MSI, DMG, DEB, etc.).
• Launch ArtCraft Launcher to verify it initializes correctly.