Files
lightcraft/docs/user/getting-started/install.md
T
Fabio LussiandClaude Opus 5.5 436c56a7ad docs: add user docs for LightCraft
User docs in docs/user/ (published at getartcraft.com/docs/lightcraft),
the docs-check and docs-publish workflows, and a "User docs" rule in AGENTS.md.
Modelled on the ArtCraft Launcher setup.

Sources per page:
- index.md: README.md, crafting-apps.ts (lightcraft entry), Cargo.toml (0.6.0)
- getting-started/install.md: README Downloads section, `gh release view` v0.6.0 asset list, craft-launcher catalog.rs and install docs
- guides/import-photos.md: crates/ui-egui/src/import.rs, panels/dialogs.rs, menubar.rs, menus.rs
- guides/cull-photos.md: docs/library-shortcuts.md, menubar.rs, panels/compare.rs, README
- guides/edit-a-photo.md: panels/edit.rs, develop/src/controls.rs, menus.rs, README
- guides/export-photos.md: panels/dialogs.rs (Export dialog), menus.rs
- guides/import-lightroom-catalog.md: docs/lightroom-catalog-import.md, menus.rs, issue #832
- troubleshooting/preview-only-raw.md: issue #662, widgets.rs, engine cmd/convert.rs, README
- troubleshooting/raw-photos-look-dull.md: issues #860, #778, #697
- troubleshooting/get-help.md: README (logs), menus.rs Help menu, issue #860
- faq/free-and-private.md: README (local-first, license), ROADMAP link
- faq/supported-files.md: README, menus.rs, export dialog

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-10-12 04:06:24 +02:00

56 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown

---
title: Install LightCraft
description: Download LightCraft for Windows 11, macOS or Linux, install it, and open your photo library.
order: 10
verified: 0.6.0
---
Download the file for your system from the [latest release](https://github.com/storytold/lightcraft/releases/latest) and install it. In the file names, `<version>` stands for the version number, for example `0.6.0`. The [LightCraft page on getartcraft.com](https://getartcraft.com/apps/lightcraft) also links the download.
## Windows 11
1. Open the [latest release](https://github.com/storytold/lightcraft/releases/latest).
2. Download `lightcraft-<version>-windows-x64.msi`. It fits most PCs (Intel and AMD, 64-bit).
3. Run the file. The installer asks where to install. The default is `C:\Program Files\LightCraft`, and upgrades stay in the folder you chose.
4. At the end, choose the option to start LightCraft.
For a Snapdragon or other Arm PC, download `lightcraft-<version>-windows-arm64.msi` instead. The release also has an `x86` installer for 32-bit Windows.
To run it without installing, download `lightcraft-<version>-windows-x64-portable.zip`. Portable builds for `arm64` and `x86` are on the release page too.
## macOS
1. Download `lightcraft-<version>-macos-universal.dmg`. It works on Apple silicon and Intel Macs, and is signed and notarized.
2. Open the file and install LightCraft.
## Linux
The release has these files for `x86_64` and `aarch64` (Arm). Replace `x86_64` with `aarch64` on Arm.
| File | Notes |
|----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| `lightcraft-<version>-linux-x86_64.AppImage` | Runs anywhere. |
| `lightcraft-<version>-linux-x86_64.flatpak` | Sandboxed. Install with `flatpak install --user <file>`. |
| `lightcraft-<version>-linux-x86_64.deb` | For Debian and Ubuntu. |
| `lightcraft-<version>-linux-x86_64.rpm` | For Fedora, RHEL and openSUSE. |
| `lightcraft-<version>-linux-x86_64.tar.gz` | Unpack anywhere. |
RISC-V and FreeBSD builds are on the release page too. On a Wayland desktop, LightCraft runs through XWayland when it is available, because only X11 gives it file drag-and-drop.
## Install with ArtCraft Launcher
[ArtCraft Launcher](https://getartcraft.com/docs/craft-launcher) lists LightCraft and can install and update it for you. On Windows it installs the release `.msi`.
## In a web browser
The release also has `lightcraft-web-<version>.zip`, a static site that runs LightCraft in a modern browser. Host it on any static web server.
## First run
1. Start LightCraft. It opens your library at `~/Pictures/LightCraft Library`. A new library starts with demo photos.
2. To bring in your own photos, see [Import photos](../guides/import-photos.md).
## Still stuck?
Ask in [Discord](https://discord.gg/artcraft) or open an issue in the [issue tracker](https://github.com/storytold/lightcraft/issues).