Better SDA

Better SDA is a modern desktop authenticator based on Steam Desktop Authenticator, with polished cross-platform builds for macOS and Windows.

It includes Steam Guard code management, a full TOTP vault, QR image import, and clean one-command release packaging.

Better SDA is not affiliated with Valve, Steam, or Scrap.TF.

Highlights

• Modern desktop GUI (Avalonia) for macOS and Windows
• Steam Guard support for:
  • maFiles + manifest.json
  • folders containing plaintext .maFile files
  • single .maFile files
• Persistent stacked .maFile loading across restarts
• TOTP vault with labels, issuer support, editable settings, and QR image import
• Click-to-copy for Steam Guard and TOTP codes
• Branded, signed, release-ready packaging scripts

Quick Start

Run the GUI:

dotnet run --project SteamDesktopAuthenticator.MacGui

Run the CLI:

dotnet run --project SteamDesktopAuthenticator.MacCli -- list --mafiles-path "/path/to/maFiles"
dotnet run --project SteamDesktopAuthenticator.MacCli -- code --account "accountNameOrSteamId" --mafiles-path "/path/to/maFiles" --passkey "your-passkey"

Build Releases

Build macOS DMG (Apple Silicon):

./scripts/build-macos-dmg.sh osx-arm64

Build macOS DMG (Intel):

./scripts/build-macos-dmg.sh osx-x64

Build Windows package:

./scripts/build-windows-release.sh win-x64

Build a clean latest-only set (recommended):

./scripts/build-latest-release.sh

This clears old dist artifacts first, then produces:

• BetterSDA-macOS-osx-arm64.dmg
• BetterSDA-macOS-osx-x64.dmg
• BetterSDA-win-x64.zip
• SHA256SUMS.txt

Repository Layout

• Steam Desktop Authenticator - original SDA Windows code
• SteamDesktopAuthenticator.MacGui - Better SDA desktop GUI
• SteamDesktopAuthenticator.MacCli - CLI utilities
• lib/SteamAuth - Steam auth library
• scripts/ - macOS + Windows release build scripts

macOS First Launch

If Gatekeeper blocks launch:

xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine "/Applications/BetterSDA.app"

Or right-click the app and select Open.

Security Reminder

Desktop authenticators increase risk on compromised systems. Use strong system security, encrypted storage, and maintain Steam recovery backups.

Sponsorship

Sponsored by sbox.trading.