SCRATCH File Extension

What is SCRATCH file?

SCRATCH files are used for storing projects created using Scratch programming language developed at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Scratch files source code in plain text. Scratch language allows user to create simple games and programs. SCRATCH format was later replaced by SB files. The name “scratch” comes from a technique used in music mixing.

Scratch

Scratch programming language was designed as an educational tool for children of age 8 and above to get acquainted with coding. Scratch used a block-like programming interface base around basic elements called “puzzles”. Scratch is an object-oriented, visual programming language. Although programming in scratch if simple and fun, the language is not very fast and cumbersome to use for larger projects.

Programs which support SCRATCH file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open SCRATCH files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with SCRATCH extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 09/10/2022

How to open file with SCRATCH extension?

Problems with accessing SCRATCH may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with SCRATCH extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Scratch

Problems with opening and working with SCRATCH files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with SCRATCH files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Scratch or different compatible program, such as BYOB. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support SCRATCH files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Scratch installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit MIT Media Lab website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Scratch

If the problems with opening SCRATCH files still occur even after installing Scratch, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software.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. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Scratch installed, it may not support SCRATCH format. 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 SCRATCH files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the SCRATCH file and choose 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 SCRATCH files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SCRATCH extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with SCRATCH extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the SCRATCH for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the SCRATCH file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The SCRATCH may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the SCRATCH file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the SCRATCH file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with SCRATCH extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the SCRATCH file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with SCRATCH extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Scratch Project Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Scratch

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support SCRATCH files. Close all running programs and try opening the SCRATCH file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Scratch Project Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SCRATCH files affecting older versions of given software.

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