Scratch

Scratch Mods are wonderful for the Scratch community. They allow users to see different angles on what Scratch could be and what is better or worse. It allows people to see different opinions on what is good and what needs to be improved. Starting a mod can be a wonderful experience. But what do you need to know to start a mod?

The very first thing you need to know about starting a Scratch Mod is the very first big question you'll ever ask yourself : Do I want to create a Scratch Mod? I am dead serious - I tried something advanced before. I tried making an Angry Birds game for Scratch. I even called it "Angry Birds Scratch". I tried it and did a whole bunch of stuff. Afterwards I had to discontinue it and throw all the junk for it out because I had no idea what I was doing.

So if you really want to start a mod and answer "Yes" let's move on. If you are doubtful or don't want to and answer "No", you don't need my permission. If you are doubtful you can but want to, some research and personal goals may help. An occasional "I am going to do this I've made progress" cookie every once in a while couldn't hurt either.

The next question you want to ask yourself is this : "What direction do I want to go in?". I don't know what you want to do. I don't really need to know. I do need to tell you that a mod that goes nowhere is really pointless.  So let me say that you have a lot of options. Maybe there's a block or two that needs to be added. Maybe there's a need for it to run on a different platform. Maybe it should be able to access the Internet - Maybe it even needs to be simplified. I don't know. What do you want to do??? You've gotta do something, though, or nobody will look at it (sadly). When you figure this out, you're ready.

So let's go over some tips for your new Scratch Mod...

*Must have a Build a Block command - THIS IS ESSENTIAL!!! BYOB does it, Panther does it, Scratch is going to do it for their new version 2.0, so you really should do it.

*Must have at least one new block - This means new - Not from the library, Panther, or BYOB. A new block gives a mod more reason to be viewed.

*Must have at least one limitation fixed and at least one bug fixed - By adding capabilities and removing problems from your Scratch mod, you can make it look a little better.

*Should run on multiple platforms - Scratch uses Windows, Mac OSX, and Ubuntu. BYOB does the same. Panther (as far as I know) only runs on Windows. I use Ubuntu and I have to use complicated buggy tools to run Panther.

And a tip from me that's super important...

DON'T PROMOTE AND MAKE GRAPHICS AND SOUNDS UNTIL YOUR MOD IS FINISHED!!!
I tried that with Angry Birds Scratch. It was said to be released January 2013, and it will not be released at all because I had problems with it. Don't promote first. (and don't blame me, it was so hard my dad said he knew I would never finish it because it would take him so long to finish, and he is a software developer).

Now is the time to research Squeak and work on your mod. Set goals to get it done and motivate yourself...


When you are done creating it move on.



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So if you are finished and you are reading this, good. Promote your mod here and on the Show and Tell forum. Give detailed descriptions. Get screen shots (if Scratch doesn't lift the curse of no img tag by the time you are finished you can use Antidote (link in my signature)). Also be sure to advertise fixed problems and limitations limited no more. You are read. Have fun with your new Scratch Mod.

Comment here on if you made a Scratch Mod with this guide or if something should be added here. Please note we don't cover the technical bits of Scratch.