DitherMaster StudioBy Grave Hammer Games

DitherMaster Studio / Direct download

Opening your direct download

The direct-download version displays a security warning on Windows and macOS. A warning about an unrecognized app or an unverified developer is not the same as a malware detection, and it does not prove a download is safe. Only continue if you trust the source and received the file through your official DitherMaster purchase.

Why do I see a security warning?

I’m an indie developer, and the direct-download version isn’t recognised by Windows SmartScreen or verified by Apple. Your system may therefore show a warning before opening it.

These instructions apply to the Direct Purchase download. Installing through Steam or the Mac App Store normally avoids these additional security-warning steps.

Windows

  1. Open the file you received through your official purchase.
  2. If Microsoft Defender SmartScreen shows Windows protected your PC because the app is unrecognized, select More info.
  3. Check that the app is the file you intended to open. If you trust the download and Run anyway is offered, select it to continue.
SmartScreen Windows protected your PC warning with the More info link below the warning text.
Step 1: More info. Select More info to see the app details. Select the image to view it at full size.
Expanded SmartScreen warning showing dithermaster.exe, Unknown publisher and the Run anyway button beside Don’t run.
Step 2: Run anyway. Check the app details. Only select Run anyway if you trust your official download. Select the image to view it at full size.

If the warning reports malware, or there is no option to continue, stop and contact support. Do not disable Microsoft Defender, SmartScreen or other security software. A work or school computer may have restrictions that only its administrator can change.

macOS

  1. Try opening the app you received through your official purchase. Dismiss the warning if macOS cannot verify the developer or check the app for malicious software.
  2. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security. Look for the message about the app being blocked.
  3. If you trust the download and Open Anyway is offered, select it. Authenticate if asked, then confirm Open in the next dialog.
macOS System Settings with Privacy & Security selected. The highlighted Security section shows DitherMaster Studio.app was blocked and the Open Anyway button on the right.
In System Settings, select Privacy & Security. Under Security, look for the DitherMaster Studio message and the Open Anyway button. Select the image to view it at full size.

The wording and available options depend on your macOS version and device policy. If macOS reports that the app contains malware, will damage your computer or is damaged, stop and contact support rather than bypassing the warning. Do not disable Gatekeeper or remove quarantine protections with Terminal commands.

For Apple's current instructions, see Safely open apps on your Mac.

Activate your license

You’ll receive a license key with your Direct Purchase. Keys start with DITHER-, for example DITHER-ABC.... Use your complete key, not this abbreviated example.

  1. Open DitherMaster Studio and select Already have a key? Activate.
  2. Paste your full key into the License key field, then select Activate license.
DitherMaster Studio purchase dialog with the Already have a key? Activate button below Buy DitherMaster Studio.
Step 1: Open activation. Select Already have a key? Activate. Select the image to view it at full size.
DitherMaster Studio Enter your license key dialog with the License key input and Activate license button. The example key is masked.
Step 2: Enter your key. Paste your complete DITHER- license key and select Activate license. Select the image to view it at full size.

Access your purchase anytime

You can access your purchase and its benefits anytime. Open the Polar customer portal and enter the email address you used for your purchase.

Need help?

Email info@gravehammer.com with your operating system version and the exact warning text. Do not send passwords or payment-card details.

The direct-download version does not update automatically. Direct buyers are eligible for a free Steam key if they want to switch to Steam later. See the Steam key FAQ for how to request it.

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