1. Step-by-Step Download Instructions
Step 1: Visit the Official itch.io Page
The only official source for Dressmaker is itch.io. Avoid third-party download sites.
Official Download Link:
https://elyaradine.itch.io/dressmakerStep 2: Choose Your Platform
Scroll down to the "Download" section on the itch.io page. You'll see three options:
- Windows: Dressmaker Prototype Windows 0.5.5.zip (115 MB)
- Mac: Dressmaker Prototype OSX 0.5.5.zip (128 MB)
- Linux: Dressmaker Prototype Linux 0.5.5.zip (127 MB)
Select the version that matches your operating system.
Step 3: Download (Free or Support Developers)
Dressmaker uses a "Name Your Own Price" model, meaning:
- You can download it for free ($0.00)
- Or optionally tip the developers to support future updates
Click "Download Now" or "No thanks, just take me to the downloads" to proceed.
Step 4: Extract and Run
📌 For All Platforms:
- Locate the downloaded .ZIP file in your Downloads folder
- Right-click and select "Extract All" (Windows) or double-click to unzip (Mac/Linux)
- Open the extracted folder
- Double-click the executable:
- Windows:
Dressmaker.exe - Mac:
Dressmaker.app - Linux:
Dressmaker.x86_64
- Windows:
⚠️ Mac Users: Important Note
When you try to open Dressmaker.app, macOS will display a security warning saying "can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software." This is normal—the game is safe, but it hasn't been notarized by Apple. See Section 2 for how to fix this.
2. Mac Installation Fix (Gatekeeper Warning)
If you're on macOS, you'll encounter a security prompt when trying to open Dressmaker. Here's why and how to fix it:
Why This Happens
Dressmaker is not notarized by Apple (the developers don't have an Apple Developer account). macOS's Gatekeeper security feature blocks unnotarized apps by default to protect users from malware.
Is it safe? Yes. The game is developed by elyaradine, sarandipityx, and raithza (part of Free Lives studio), and the itch.io page is the official source.
The Error Message You'll See
"Dressmaker.app can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software."
✅ Solution: Bypass Gatekeeper (Official Method)
Follow these steps from Apple Support:
- Try to open Dressmaker.app (you'll see the error)
- Click "OK" to dismiss the error
- Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
- Click Privacy & Security
- Scroll down to the Security section
- You'll see a message: "Dressmaker.app was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer"
- Click "Open Anyway"
- A confirmation dialog will appear—click "Open" again
- Enter your Mac password if prompted
- The game will now launch!
💡 Alternative Method (Control + Click)
Some users prefer this faster method:
- Hold the Control key and click on Dressmaker.app
- Select "Open" from the context menu
- In the dialog that appears, click "Open" again
📝 Note for Future Versions
Once you've allowed Dressmaker to run, macOS will remember this. You won't need to repeat these steps for future launches or updates.
3. System Requirements
The developers haven't published official minimum system requirements. Based on the game's lightweight Unity engine and community feedback, here are the estimated requirements:
🪟 Windows
| OS | Windows 7 or later* |
| Storage | ~150 MB free space |
| RAM | 2 GB+ recommended |
| Download | 115 MB (ZIP file) |
🍎 Mac
| OS | macOS 10.14 Mojave or later* |
| Storage | ~150 MB free space |
| RAM | 2 GB+ recommended |
| Download | 128 MB (ZIP file) |
🐧 Linux
| Distros | Ubuntu 18.04+, Linux Mint, other Debian-based distributions* |
| Storage | ~150 MB free space |
| RAM | 2 GB+ recommended |
| Download | 127 MB (ZIP file) |
Community reports: Works on Linux Mint Cinnamon. May require marking the executable as executable via chmod +x Dressmaker.x86_64
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
*These system requirements are estimates based on typical Unity game standards and community feedback. The developers have not published official minimum specs. The game is a lightweight prototype and should run on most modern systems. If you encounter performance issues, please report them on the official Discord.
4. Common Installation Issues
❌ "Windows protected your PC" (SmartScreen)
Cause: Windows Defender SmartScreen blocks unrecognized apps.
Solution:
- Click "More info" in the popup
- Click "Run anyway"
- The game will launch
❌ "Can't extract ZIP file"
Cause: Corrupted download or missing extraction tool.
Solution:
- Re-download the ZIP file from itch.io
- On Windows: Use built-in "Extract All" or download 7-Zip
- On Mac/Linux: The Archive Utility should work automatically
❌ "Nothing happens when I double-click the executable" (Linux)
Cause: File doesn't have execute permissions.
Solution:
- Open Terminal
- Navigate to the extracted folder:
cd ~/Downloads/Dressmaker - Make executable:
chmod +x Dressmaker.x86_64 - Run:
./Dressmaker.x86_64
❌ "Game crashes on startup"
Possible causes:
- Outdated graphics drivers
- Incompatible OS version
- Corrupted game files
Solutions to try:
- Update your graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel)
- Re-download and extract a fresh copy
- Check the itch.io comments for your specific OS
- Report the issue on Discord
💬 Need More Help?
If none of these solutions work, try:
- Official Discord: discord.gg/nJY2TsCKm9
- itch.io Comments: Browse community solutions
- Full Troubleshooting Guide: dressmakergame.com/troubleshooting/
5. itch.io vs Steam Version: What's the Difference?
| Feature | itch.io (Current) | Steam (In Development) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | ✅ Available now | ❌ Not released yet (wishlist only) |
| Version Type | Prototype 0.5.5 (playable demo) | Full game (planned) |
| Price | Free (name your own price) | TBD (likely paid) |
| Content | Limited customers & patterns | More content, features, polish (expected) |
| Updates | No longer receiving updates (as of Nov 2025)* | Will receive ongoing updates |
📢 Development Status Update (November 2025)
The developers posted on November 11, 2025: "We've gone quiet while working on the full game." This means:
- The itch.io prototype (v0.5.5) is feature-complete for now
- The team is focused on building the Steam version
- No release date has been announced yet
🎮 Should You Play Now or Wait?
Play the itch.io prototype now if:
- You want to try the core gameplay for free
- You don't mind limited content (prototype has ~2 hours of gameplay)
- You want to support the developers and give feedback
Wait for Steam if:
- You prefer a more polished, feature-complete experience
- You want Steam Workshop support (if added)
- You don't mind paying for the full version
🔔 How to Get Notified When Steam Version Releases
- Visit the Steam Store Page
- Click "Add to your wishlist"
- Steam will email you when the game launches (or goes on sale)
6. Download FAQ
Is Dressmaker really free?
Yes. The itch.io prototype uses a "name your own price" model, meaning you can download it for $0.00. You can optionally support the developers with a tip.
Is there a mobile version (Android/iOS)?
No. Dressmaker is currently only available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. There is no official mobile version or APK. Any "Dressmaker APK" sites are not official and should be avoided.
Can I play offline?
Yes. Once downloaded, Dressmaker runs entirely offline with no internet connection required.
Does it auto-update?
No. If a new version is released on itch.io, you'll need to manually download and install it. However, the developers have stated they're focusing on the Steam version now, so the itch.io prototype (v0.5.5) is unlikely to receive further updates.
Is it safe to download? (Virus scan)
Yes, the official itch.io version is safe. The game is developed by elyaradine, sarandipityx, and raithza (part of Free Lives studio). Always download from elyaradine.itch.io/dressmaker and avoid third-party download sites.
Can I uninstall easily?
Yes. Dressmaker is a portable game (no installer), so just delete the extracted folder to uninstall.
Where are save files stored?
Save files are typically stored in:
- Windows:
C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\LocalLow\Free Lives\Dressmaker - Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/Free Lives/Dressmaker - Linux:
~/.config/unity3d/Free Lives/Dressmaker