Install guide
From download to first use
After your purchase, this guide walks you through downloading, installing and starting DeltaShade, using the exact words you'll see on screen. Even if you're not comfortable with computers, just follow the steps from top to bottom.
First, open the email you receive after purchase
When your purchase is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email from “Owl Dental Create”. It contains two things:
- Download buttons: one for Mac (DeltaShade-….dmg) and one for Windows (DeltaShade-Setup.exe). You only need the one for your computer.
- License key: a long string of letters and numbers like “1A2B3C4D-…”. You enter it to unlock the app.
Can't find the email? Check your spam or junk folder. If it's still missing, enter your purchase email address at Lemon Squeezy “My Orders” to see your downloads and license key again.
On a Mac
Requires a Mac with Apple silicon (M1 or later) and macOS 26 or later.
Download
In the email, click the Mac download button (the .dmg file). It is saved to your Downloads folder. In Safari you can also open it from the ↓ button at the top right.
Put it in the Applications folder
Double-click the downloaded dmg. A window opens with the DeltaShade icon and an “Applications” folder. Drag the DeltaShade icon onto the “Applications” folder. Then click ⏏ (eject) next to “DeltaShade” in the Finder sidebar to close it.
Open it the first time (you'll see a warning)
In the Applications folder in Finder, double-click DeltaShade. If you see ““DeltaShade” Not Opened”, click “Done” (do not click “Move to Trash”). This appears for apps from independent developers not enrolled in Apple's paid program — nothing is broken.
Click “Open Anyway”
Click the Apple menu at the top left → “System Settings” → “Privacy & Security” in the sidebar. Scroll down on the right to the message ““DeltaShade” was blocked to protect your Mac” and click “Open Anyway”. If asked again, click “Open Anyway” and confirm with your Mac login password (or Touch ID). You only need to do this once.
Turn on the two permissions
When DeltaShade opens, a “DeltaShade Permissions” window appears. Click “Allow…” for Screen Recording and then for Accessibility, and switch DeltaShade on in the System Settings list that opens (Screen Recording is listed as “Screen & System Audio Recording”). When both are on, click “Relaunch DeltaShade”.
Enter your license key
A “DeltaShade License” window opens (if not, click the ΔE icon in the menu bar at the top right → “License…”). Select the license key in the email and copy it with ⌘ (Command) + C, click the input field, paste with ⌘ + V and click “Activate”. You need to be connected to the internet.
Start automatically (optional)
Click the ΔE icon → “Settings…” and turn on “Open DeltaShade at login” to have DeltaShade start every time you start your Mac.
Try it
Open an intraoral photo in Preview or similar and place the cursor on a tooth: L, a and b appear right next to the cursor. Double-tap Shift on the reference tooth, then move the cursor to the tooth you want to compare to see the ΔE.
On Windows
Requires Windows 11 (64-bit). No administrator rights are needed.
Download
In the email, click the Windows download button (DeltaShade-Setup.exe). If Microsoft Edge says the file “isn't commonly downloaded”, click “…” on that line → “Keep” → “Show more” → “Keep anyway”. This can appear for new apps.
Open the installer
In File Explorer, open the “Downloads” folder and double-click DeltaShade-Setup.exe.
Click “More info” → “Run anyway”
If a blue screen says “Windows protected your PC”, click “More info” in the text, then click “Run anyway” at the bottom. This appears for apps from independent developers not enrolled in Microsoft's paid program, and only the first time.
Install
If asked to select a language, choose “English” and click “OK”. Then click “Next” to continue. Check “Start DeltaShade when Windows starts” to have it start automatically every time. Click “Install” → “Finish” and DeltaShade starts.
Enter your license key
A “DeltaShade License” window opens. Select the license key in the email and copy it with Ctrl + C, click the input field, paste with Ctrl + V and click “Activate”. You need to be connected to the internet.
Where to find the ΔE icon
DeltaShade lives in the notification area at the bottom right of the screen (near the clock) as a ΔE icon. If you don't see it, click “^” (Show hidden icons). Drag the icon onto the taskbar to keep it visible.
Try it
Open an intraoral photo in Photos or similar and place the cursor on a tooth: L, a and b appear right next to the cursor. Double-tap Shift on the reference tooth, then move the cursor to the tooth you want to compare to see the ΔE.
Troubleshooting
It says the key is “already in use on 2 computers”
One license key works on up to 2 computers (Mac and Windows combined). On a computer you no longer use, click the ΔE icon → “License…” → “Deactivate this computer” to free it up for another computer. If the old computer is broken and you can't deactivate it, contact us at the address below.
I didn't get the purchase email, or I lost it
Check your spam or junk folder. Enter your purchase email address at Lemon Squeezy “My Orders”; the link in the email you receive shows your downloads and license key again.
No values appear on my Mac
The Screen Recording permission may be off. Click the ΔE icon → “Permissions…”, follow the guide to allow it and relaunch DeltaShade. After installing a new version, you may need to switch DeltaShade off and on again in System Settings.
I can't find DeltaShade on Windows
Type “DeltaShade” in the Start menu to open it. Even when it's running, the icon may be hidden under “^” in the notification area.
How do I uninstall it?
First click the ΔE icon → “License…” → “Deactivate this computer” so you can use the license on another computer. Mac: move DeltaShade from the Applications folder to the Trash. Windows: go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, click “…” next to DeltaShade → “Uninstall”.
Still stuck? Feel free to contact us (English or Japanese): support@deltashade.app