Looking to download Scratch 3.0? You’re in the right place. Whether you need the offline version for a device without reliable internet, or you want to set up Scratch properly for your child before their first coding session – this guide walks you through every step, on every platform, in under five minutes.
Scratch 3.0 is MIT’s free, block-based coding tool used by over 100 million kids worldwide. You can use it directly in your browser at scratch.mit.edu – no download needed. But the offline version (Scratch Desktop) gives your child the freedom to code anywhere, with no internet dependency. This guide covers both options, plus troubleshooting and first-project tips to get your child coding today.
Table of Contents
⚡ Quick Facts
Scratch 3.0 is a beginner-friendly, visual programming tool created by MIT specifically for young learners and educators. It allows users to develop interactive stories, games, and animations using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, eliminating the need for complicated coding languages. It’s perfect for beginners as it turns coding into an engaging and enjoyable experience.
Before downloading anything, it helps to know that Scratch 3.0 has two ways to run — and many families don’t actually need the offline version.
Use the browser version if your child has reliable internet. Visit scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/ — no install, always up-to-date, works on any device including school Chromebooks.
Download Scratch Desktop if you want to code without Wi-Fi — on road trips, in areas with poor signal, or as a focused, distraction-free space away from the browser.
💡 Parent tip: The offline editor is also useful if your child’s school blocks external websites. Scratch Desktop runs entirely locally — no internet needed after installation.
Scratch 3.0 offers numerous advantages:
Before downloading Scratch, ensure your computer meets the following criteria:
These steps apply to all platforms. The full process takes under five minutes.
Go to the official Scratch download page
Open your browser and navigate to scratch.mit.edu/download. Always use the official MIT page — avoid third-party download sites.
Select your operating system
The page shows icons for Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android/iPad. Click the one that matches your device. If you’re unsure which Mac chip you have, the .dmg file works on both Intel and Apple Silicon.
Download the installer file
Click the download button. Your browser saves the file — typically Scratch Setup.exe on Windows or Scratch.dmg on Mac. Wait for it to fully download before opening.
Run the installer
Open the downloaded file. On Windows you may see a security prompt — click “Run Anyway” (the file is from MIT and safe). Follow the on-screen steps, which typically just means clicking “Next” twice.
Open Scratch Desktop and start coding
Find Scratch in your Applications folder (Mac) or Start Menu (Windows). Launch it — you’ll see the full Scratch editor, running completely offline. Projects save locally; use File → Save to your computer regularly.
✅ Done! Scratch is installed and ready. Your child can now open it any time without a browser or internet connection.
Click the download button for your device. Each links to the official source only.
Windows Defender may show a SmartScreen prompt. Click “More info” then “Run anyway”. The installer is from MIT and completely safe. You can install Scratch for just your account or for all users on the computer.
Open the .dmg file and drag Scratch to your Applications folder. On M1/M2/M3 Macs, Scratch runs via Rosetta 2 — macOS will prompt you to install it automatically if needed (takes about 30 seconds).
The Scratch Android app is designed for tablets only — not phones. Android phone users should open scratch.mit.edu in their browser instead. If your Chromebook doesn’t have Google Play Store access (common on school devices), the browser version works perfectly.
Not sure which version to use day-to-day? Here’s the full side-by-side breakdown.
| Feature | Online (Browser) | Offline (Desktop App) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet required | Yes — needs Wi-Fi | No — works offline |
| Free to use | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Account needed | Optional (to save to cloud) | Not needed |
| Always up-to-date | ✅ Automatic | Manual update needed |
| Share with community | ✅ Yes | Export → upload to account |
| Works on school networks | Sometimes blocked | ✅ Always works |
| iPad / Android support | ✅ Via browser | ✅ Via app |
| Best for | Home, school, everyday use | Travel, limited Wi-Fi, focused sessions |
The download is the easy part. Getting your child engaged from the first session matters far more.
The moment Scratch opens, there’s a cat sprite waiting. Tell your child: “Make the cat do something — anything.” Let them drag blocks, click the green flag, and laugh when it works. That first spark of “I made this happen” is the whole point.
New coders get overwhelmed quickly. Keep early sessions to one goal: “Today we’ll make the cat move left and right.” 20 focused minutes beats 2 frustrated hours every time.
Once your child has played freely for a session or two, they’ll ask: “What should I make now?” Our guide to the best Scratch coding games for kids has project ideas organised by difficulty — a perfect next step.
Most kids plateau after a few months without structured guidance. Our complete Scratch coding guide covers the full learning journey — and if you’re wondering about the right age to start, read what age kids should start learning Scratch.
Our expert instructors take kids from first block code to Python and robotics — at their own pace, in live 1-on-1 sessions built around what they love.
Book a Free Demo Class →Once Scratch 3.0 is installed:
Most issues come down to one of these six problems. Here’s how to fix each one quickly.
⚠️ “Windows protected your PC” warning
This is Windows SmartScreen flagging an unfamiliar installer — not a virus. The file is signed by MIT.
✅ Fix: Click “More info” → “Run anyway”
⚠️ Scratch won’t open on Mac
macOS blocks apps not from the Mac App Store by default. This is a Gatekeeper setting — not a sign the app is unsafe.
✅ Fix: System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll down → “Open Anyway”
⚠️ Scratch running slowly or lagging
Scratch Desktop needs a reasonably modern device. Older machines with less than 2GB RAM may struggle with large projects. Check Scratch system requirements.
✅ Fix: Close other open apps, or use the browser version on a newer device
⚠️ Can’t find the official download link
Third-party sites can look similar to the official Scratch page. Some redirect to outdated or ad-heavy versions.
✅ Fix: Only ever download from scratch.mit.edu/download
⚠️ Projects not saving in offline version
The offline editor saves locally — not to the cloud. Closing Scratch without saving loses your work. There’s no auto-save in the desktop version.
✅ Fix: Use File → Save to your computer regularly. Projects save as .sb3 files.
⚠️ Chromebook shows “app not available”
Older Chromebooks or school-managed devices may not have Google Play Store access enabled.
✅ Fix: Use the browser version at scratch.mit.edu — works perfectly on all Chromebooks
Scratch 3.0 is a brilliant starting point — but it was never designed to be the finish line. Once your child can confidently build games, animations, and interactive stories, the natural path opens up.
Ages 8–11: Explore Roblox Studio for game creation using Lua scripting, or deepen Scratch projects with more complex logic — loops, variables, and custom blocks.
Ages 11–15: The move to Python is the most impactful next step. It’s the language behind AI, data science, and automation — and the most common transition for kids who’ve mastered block coding. Guided instruction makes this dramatically smoother than self-paced apps alone.
Wondering whether 1-on-1 classes or group learning works better? We compared both in detail: live 1-on-1 vs group coding classes for kids.
Scratch Guide
Complete Beginner’s Guide to Scratch CodingProjects
Best Scratch Coding Games for KidsTechnical
Scratch System Requirements: Full GuideOffline Mode
How to Export Scratch Projects in Offline ModeIn Summary
Downloading Scratch 3.0 takes under five minutes on any device. Head to scratch.mit.edu/download, pick your operating system, run the installer, and your child is ready to code offline — anytime, anywhere. If they have reliable internet, the browser version works just as well with zero setup.
Getting the setup right matters. A child who hits a technical wall in their first session is far less likely to come back. The right start — a working environment and one small, achievable first project — sets the tone for everything that follows.
Ready to go beyond downloading? Read our complete guide to Scratch coding — or book a free demo class to see what guided instruction looks like for your child.
Turn your child’s Scratch curiosity into real, lasting coding skills.
Get Started Free →Go to scratch.mit.edu/download, select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Chromebook, or Android/iPad), click the download button, and run the installer. The Scratch Desktop app is completely free and available for all major platforms. The entire process takes under five minutes.
Yes. Scratch 3.0 runs fully in your browser at scratch.mit.edu — no download needed. The online version is always up-to-date and works on any device with a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and an internet connection. Most families use the browser version for everyday coding.
Yes. Once installed, Scratch Desktop works completely offline. Projects are saved locally on your device as .sb3 files. When you reconnect to the internet, you can export your project and upload it to your Scratch account to share with the community. See our guide on how to export Scratch projects in offline mode.
Yes. Scratch is developed and maintained by MIT — one of the world’s most respected research institutions. The offline app contains no ads, no in-app purchases, and no social features. It’s one of the safest coding environments available for children. Always download from the official page at scratch.mit.edu/download only.
Scratch Desktop requires Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, or ChromeOS with Play Store access. On mobile it runs on Android tablets and iPads. For the browser version you need Chrome 63+, Firefox 57+, Safari 11+, or Edge 15+. See our full Scratch system requirements guide for complete hardware details.
