Scratch Desktop

Scratch Desktop is a child-oriented visualization utility that is focused on providing users of all ages with intuitive, fast, and easy-to-understand tools for learning basic programming skills and visual animation.



The entire application is centered on the task of creating new and unique animations, but instead of complicated tools and confusing UI, it focuses on showcasing clear step-by-step breakdowns of every programming task needed to successfully animate on-screen objects.

With this kind of approach, Scratch Offline Editor successfully manages to not only intellectually engage children of a very young age and give them the countless amount of fun with visually appealing creations that can be shared online, but also provide them with a solid foundation on which they can build their programming prowess.



The entire suite of tools of Scratch for PC is located inside a very intuitive interface layout that prioritizes the creation of custom scripts for various aspects of animation projects.

However Instead of making such code by text, this app provides visual feedback by allowing kids to essentially place building blocks made of common programming concepts – input events, moving of objects, playing of sounds, setting variables, changing volume, interactive elements, and many more.

These coding elements are separated into nine separate tabs – Motion, Looks, Sound, Events, Control, Sensing, Operators, Variables, and My Blocks.



The app of course also features a large canvas area for adding and positioning of visual code blocks, layer selector, tools for precise on-screen positioning, background selector, and a large preview screen.

Other areas of the app include a special editor for sprites (here called “Costumes) and a sound editor with a wide variety of tools. Backdrops and Sprites can be selected from the built-in library, or imported from your PC.

There is even an extensive Tutorial area that covers tips and procedures needed for making all types of projects – Animation, Art, Music, Games, and Stories.

Scratch's offline editor effortlessly combines the fun of playing a video game with the intellectual challenge of actually building one. Optimized for children, but available to everyone, this app represents a perfect starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about coding and animation without engrossing themselves in mountains of programming code.



MIT Scratch Desktop is 100% FREE offline editor, is optimized for use on Windows 10 and Windows 11 OS, and has built-in support for over 40 international languages.

How to Use

• Download the application from the official website or FileHorse.
• Install the application on your computer.
• Launch the program.
• You can start using this desktop app without creating an account, but if you want to save your projects, you will need to create an account.
• Explore the tutorials and sample projects to get a better understanding of how to use the application.
• Start creating your own projects by dragging and dropping code blocks, adding characters and animations, and testing your code.
• Save your projects by logging in to your app account or by downloading your project as a .sb3 file.

Learning to code can be a daunting task, especially for children, but MIT Scratch makes it a fun and accessible experience.

With this program, kids can learn basic programming concepts like loops, variables, conditionals, and sequences, which serve as a stepping stone for learning more complex languages such as Python, Swift, Java, or C++.



Scratch is a free application that can be used online or offline, without the need to create an account. This eliminates any barriers for users who want to get started with learning to code. The app features color-coded elements, making it easy for kids to understand and grasp the basic programming concepts.

The application also has built-in tutorials and community discussions that are accessible to all users.

While MIT Scratch is a great starting point, it may not be enough to help children transition to more advanced programming languages. However, the application is ideal for kids below the age of six, who have a junior version of the program available to them.

The app is not just a tool for learning to code; it also provides an opportunity for kids to be creative and innovative. Children can use the application to send commands, create programs, games, presentations, and even applications.

With the help of tutorials and community discussions, kids can overcome the learning curve and get started with coding.

FAQ

Is Scratch Free?
The application is easy to use, free to download, and provides a fun and interactive way for kids to learn basic programming concepts. With Scratch, kids can develop their coding skills and gain the confidence they need to pursue more advanced programming languages.

Do I need to download an app to use Scratch?
No, you don't need to download an app. You can access the Scratch project editor directly from most web browsers on various devices by visiting scratch.mit.edu and clicking on the "Create" button.

How can I connect the Scratch app to hardware devices?
To connect hardware devices to the app on Windows, you need to install and run Scratch Link. Additionally, you must have an active internet connection to use Scratch Link.

Is it possible to share projects with the online community from the Scratch app for Windows?
Currently, sharing directly from the app for Windows to the online community is not supported. However, you can export your project from the app, log in to the official website, and upload and share your project from there.

Can I use the Scratch app while also having Scratch open in a web browser?
Yes, you can run the app and have Scratch open in your web browser simultaneously without any issues.

Can I install Scratch on my Android phone?
No, the current version of Scratch for Android is only compatible with tablets and does not support installation on Android phones.

Alternatives

Google Classroom: It helps classes communicate, save time, and stay organized!

Google Workspace: A flexible, innovative solution for people and organizations to achieve more.

Microsoft Teams: Part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite, Teams provides a platform for communication, collaboration, and classroom management.

Moodle Desktop: The solution to accessing your Moodle courses on Windows desktop!

Zoom: Popular video conferencing platform with an intuitive interface and robust features for online meetings and webinars.

Google Meet: Google's video conferencing solution integrated with other G Suite apps, offering seamless scheduling and screen sharing capabilities.

PROS

• Offline Access
• User-Friendly Interface
• Educational Value
• Extensive Asset Library
• Multilingual Support

CONS

• Limited Advanced Features
• No Mobile Support
• No Direct Cloud Save
• Low Graphic Resolution
• Requires Desktop Installation

Conclusion

All in all, if you are looking to introduce your children to coding and programming, MIT Scratch is an excellent option to consider.

Also Available: Download Scratch for Mac