SB3 File Extension

What is SB3 file?

Projects created in Scratch 3 are saved as .SB3 files. This file format was developed on MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) for programming learning software. Scratch projects can be of the form of a stroy, animation, or simple game and is saved as a ZIP archive. SB3 format replaced SB2 files used by Scratch 2 and SB format introduced with first Scratch iteration. The experimental Scratch version, ScratchX, used SBX format for created projects.

What type of data can SB3 files hold?

Projects files created with Scratch version 3.0 and higher contain complete project data and can hold such objects as:

• scripts in JSON format,
• grpahics, icons, costumes and other sprite images,
• audio files.

In order to access SB3 data without using 3.0, user can unpack the archive using any tool that supports ZIP format. Sometimes it may be necessary to change the SB3 extension to one that the tool recognizes.

Managing SB3 files in Scratch

SB3 is the default project file format used by Scratch 3.0, which is available both as an online application and desktop application for Windows and macOS. When using the online versions, to save the project to disk user must select "Download to your computer" option from the File menu. To open a SB3 file from disk the "Upload from your computer" option form the same menu should be selected.

Programs which support SB3 file extension

Programs that can handle SB3 files are as follows. SB3 files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 08/21/2023

How to open file with SB3 extension?

Being unable to open files with SB3 extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Scratch Project Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Scratch

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports SB3 files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Scratch. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Scratch installed is by going to developer’s website (MIT Media Lab) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Scratch and update if needed

If the problems with opening SB3 files still occur even after installing Scratch, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Scratch is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why SB3 files are not compatible with Scratch. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Scratch.

Step 3. Associate Scratch Project Format files with Scratch

After installing Scratch (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open SB3 files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the SB3 with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Scratch is installed, check the Always use this app to open SB3 files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the SB3 file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Scratch and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with SB3 extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the SB3 is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper SB3 file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the SB3 in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the SB3 is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the SB3 file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the SB3 file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the SB3 file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic SB3 file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the SB3 file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Scratch

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with SB3 extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Scratch Project Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SB3 files affecting older versions of given software.

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