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Dressmaker prototype and free demo

Updated 30 September 2026

Quick answer
  • The original prototype is on itch.io for Windows, macOS and Linux at a name-your-own-price.
  • You can also play a browser port of the prototype free on our homepage.
  • The full game is on Steam for $14.99, with about 35 hours of story commissions.
  • Neither the prototype nor the browser version carries saves over to the Steam game.

Dressmaker started as a prototype that Free Lives made in about three weeks, then extended over another month or two. Its popularity got the full game greenlit. The prototype is still available, and it is the free way to try Dressmaker.

Three ways to play

Browser version itch.io prototype Steam full game
Price Free Name your own price $14.99
Platforms Desktop browser Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS
Content Prototype Prototype (v0.5.5) 150+ dress pieces, 450+ fabrics, 350+ accessories
Story Short Short About 35 hours of commissions
Achievements and cloud saves No No 32 achievements, Steam Cloud
Mods No No Yes, via community ModLoader

Play the browser version

The quickest way to try Dressmaker is the browser port of the prototype. Play it on our homepage. There is nothing to install, but the first load is about 145 MB and it works best on a desktop with a mouse.

Download the itch.io prototype

The prototype page lists downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux (version 0.5.5, about 115 to 128 MB each). It is pay-what-you-want, so you can enter 0 to download it free, or pay to support the team.

On a Mac, you may need to allow the app in Privacy and Security the first time. See the troubleshooting guide.

Prototype vs full game

The developers describe the prototype as having “a lot of unfinished seams”. The Steam release is a different scale of game: every character is measured and patterns are drafted to fit, the fabric shop and UI were rebuilt, and there are ten characters with their own commission stories. If you enjoy the prototype, the full game is well worth it. It launched with overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam.

Ready to buy? See the platforms page for where Dressmaker is available.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dressmaker free?

The prototype is: it is pay-what-you-want on itch.io, and a browser port is free to play on our homepage. The full game costs $14.99 on Steam.

Is there a Dressmaker demo on Steam?

At launch there is no separate Steam demo. The itch.io prototype is the free way to try the game.

Why does my Mac say the prototype can't be opened?

The prototype is not notarized by Apple. Open System Settings, Privacy and Security, and click Open Anyway. See our troubleshooting guide.

Sources