Also see the Scratch Website FAQ

Getting Started with Scratch Software

How do I make a project?

To learn how to make a project, visit our How To Get Started page.

We also recommend looking at the sample projects that come with Scratch software. Click Open and choose a project in Animation, Games, or any of the other folders. In each folder, the simpler projects are listed first.

How do I make a game?

Here are some ways to get started making an interactive game:
- Use the code on "Key Moves" and other Scratch cards
- See Mick's project called Learning How to Make a Game
- Or, you can start by making changes to someone else's game project. In Scratch, click Open and then choose from the Games folder.

Is there a reference manual for Scratch?

The Scratch 1.4 Reference Guide contains an explanation of the Scratch interface and programming language.

For more ways to learn how to use Scratch, visit the Support page.

Getting Started with the Scratch Website

How do I join the website?

Sharing Projects

How do I share or upload a project to the website?

- To post a project on the Scratch website, open your project in the Scratch software, then click the Share! button. You will need a username and password for the Scratch website.

Why do I get an error when I try to upload or share my project?

Here are the solutions we know of so far:
1. File too big. The largest file limit is 10 MB. (Solution: In Scratch, click the Extras button > compress sounds. Also Extras > compress images. If you have compressed sounds and your project still won't upload, delete some of the sounds.)
2. Internet connection too slow and times out (Solution: Make the file smaller. If that doesn't work, try connecting from a different computer or connection or web browser)
3. Proxy server getting in the way (Solution: See the Network Installation and Customization page to learn how to configure Scratch to work with your proxy server.).
4. Wrong username and password. (Solution: Try logging into Scratch website to make sure username and password are correct.)
5. Website "hiccup"  (Solution: Try again later).
6. Security software (Solution: Try a different computer or different settings on security software.)
7. Vista profile (Solution: Try changing settings or uploading from another profile.)

Scratch Projects on Another Website or a CD

How do I put my Scratch project on another website?

The easiest way is to post your project to the Scratch site and then you can still play it from your website by embedding a link as described here: http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Publishing_your_Scratch_projects_on_other_websites

If you only want the Scratch project on your website and not on the Scratch website, see this forum topic http://scratch.mit.edu/forums/viewtopic.php?id=191

Can I run my Scratch project from a CD or Flash drive?

With some setup, you can copy and run a project from a Scratch CD (or USB Flash drive). To learn how, see this forum topic: http://scratch.mit.edu/forums/viewtopic.php?id=191

License and Permission 

Is Scratch free?

Yes! You can download, copy, and use Scratch software free of charge.

What is the license for Scratch? 

Please visit our Scratch license page.

Can I present Scratch at a conference?

Please feel free to make presentations about Scratch to educators or other groups. We grant our permission to make presentations. We would appreciate if you would let us know which conference or event.

Can I use Scratch in a textbook or a CD? 

Yes, you can create a book about Scratch and include the Scratch software (the binaries) in a CD as well as use the Scratch logo. We do ask to include a note on the book and the CD that says "Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. See http://scratch.mit.edu".

Other Questions?

Search or visit the Scratch discussion forums