Is Scratch offline?
How to get Scratch Desktop
Download it free from scratch.mit.edu/download. It works on Windows 10+ and macOS 10.13+. Chromebooks don't have a native download, but the browser version works fine on most school-issued Chromebooks even on limited connections.
What still needs the internet
Building and running projects: fully offline. But if your kid wants to share a finished project publicly, remix someone else's work, or use cloud-saved variables in multiplayer-style games, they'll need to go online for that. Those are community features, not the coding itself.
Which Devices Support the Scratch Offline App?
This is where things get nuanced — and where most articles leave parents confused.
| Device | Supported? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10+ | ✅ Yes | Available via the Microsoft Store (direct download from the website is temporarily unavailable as of June 2026) |
| macOS 10.13+ | ✅ Yes | Direct download from the Scratch website |
| ChromeOS | ✅ Yes | Available from the Scratch download page |
| Android 6.0+ | ⚠️ Tablets only | Phones are NOT supported — tablets only |
| iOS (iPhone/iPad) | ✅ Yes | Available via the App Store |
| Linux | ❌ Not supported | MIT is working with open-source partners on this |
What You Can (and Can't) Do Offline
The offline app is genuinely full-featured for creation. Here's what that means in practice:
You can:
- Create new Scratch projects from scratch
- Open and edit previously saved
.sb3project files - Use all coding blocks, sprites, sounds, and costumes
- Connect supported hardware like micro:bit, LEGO robotics, or Makey Makey via extensions
You can't:
- Share projects directly to the Scratch online community — you'll need to export the file and upload it manually at scratch.mit.edu once you're back online
- Browse, access, or remix other community projects while offline
- Auto-save to the Scratch cloud — projects save locally to your device only
The workaround for sharing is simple: export your project as an .sb3 file, then upload it when you have internet. It's a minor extra step, but it works.
