Please don't ask your questions here; Instead, create a new topic.

You may, however, suggest questions and topics to be added to the lists. Also, abide by the Community Guidelines; spam of any kind is not allowed.

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Topic Directory
Intro
About
History

Section 1: Temporary Questions
Section 2: The Forums
Section 3: The Project Editor
Section 4: Rules and Moderation
Section 5: Scratch History and Lore
Section 6: Scratch Design and Statistics
Section 7: The Scratch Wiki
Section 8: Account Information

Other
Credits
Other Helpful Links

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About
Welcome to the Questions About Scratch Directory! This is for questions and answers, so you can save yourself the trouble of making a post about your question when you could just look here. This will also be regularly updated, so feel free to make any suggestions!

Due to the fact that this is a directory, I’ll accept any question you choose. However, I have two exceptions to that rule, and they are either 1) when the answer to the question is ambiguous, or 2) when someone in authority tells me not to include a specific question.

If you can't find your question here, you may be able to find an answer in this search engine by @Jeffalo!

In order to search for topics and questions in these lists, press ctrl + F or cmd + F (depending on your OS).

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History
FAQ Topic #1 - by @asqwde
FAQ Topic #2 - by @ThatOneWeirdDude

Dictionary Topic #1 - by @yzyzyz
Dictionary Topic #2 - by @MaximunPokeMaster
Dictionary Topic #3 - by @PrincessFlowerTV

Questions About Scratch Directory #1 - by @xXRedTheCoderXx
Questions About Scratch Directory #2 - by @han614698
Questions about Scratch Directory #2.5 - by @TheForumer
Questions about Scratch Directory #3 - by @Sliverus
Questions about Scratch Directory #3.5 - by @Super_Scratch_Bros20
Questions about Scratch Directory #4 - by @han614698
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This section is for questions that are relevant right now but may become significantly less relevant in the future. As a result, these questions are temporary and may come and go.

Q: Can I show my face on Scratch?
A: No, you may not. It is extremely unsafe. Even though it used to be allowed in educational settings, it is no longer allowed due to misuse of it.

Q: Why is automodmute censored?
A: Automodmute is a phrase that is censored so that the Scratch Team can easily check to see if the filter is working correctly. While you will not be in trouble if you get muted from it, repeated use of the phrase may get the Scratch Team to think you are intentionally trying to waste their time, and they may alert you.

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The following are question and answers related to the Scratch forums - where you are right now!

Q: Can you reopen my forum topic?
A: If you accidentally closed a topic, report the first post of the topic asking for it to be reopened and explain why. Do not worry! You are not in trouble if you report the post. If a Scratch Team member closed it, it's probably for a good reason. Moreover, the Scratch Team members will sometimes leave a note that says, “If you would like this reopened, report this post.”

Q: How big can your projects get?
A: You can keep adding assets until your project reaches 5 MB, or 10 MB with audio files. If it exceeds the limits, just cut your audio files into smaller files, or use clones for some sprites.

Q: How do you save a project’s thumbnail?
A: Whatever image the project is on whenever it is saved, that image becomes the project thumbnail. Simply save the project when the thumbnail is being shown on the project.

Q: What do the blue dots next to forum pages mean?
A: It means that a user (or users) have posted there, and you have not yet read their messages. It's very useful if you're waiting for a reply on a topic.

Q: How do I edit my post?
A: If you are a New Scratcher, you have until you leave the page to edit your post. You can do so by clicking the edit button next to the report and quote buttons. To prevent spam, the option is not permanent. If you're a Scratcher, the button is there permanently for all posts you make on any topic (as long as the topic isn't closed).

Q: How do I close a topic?
A: You can do so by waiting 24 hours and then clicking the grey button that says “Close Topic” at the bottom. This only works if it is your own topic. If you want to close it sooner, or if it's not your topic but it needs to be closed, report the first post of the topic asking for it to be closed.

Q: How do I make a topic?
A: Go to the forum that is relevant to your topic, then at the top should be a blue button saying “New Topic”. Click that and now you can make your topic. Make sure it follows the rules of whatever forum you are posting in!

Q: Can you report a signature?
A: You can report a post but clarify while you're reporting that you're actually reporting that the signature is inappropriate. That is perfectly fine, and is recommended when someone has a signature that is not suitable for Scratch.

Q: What is the dustbin?
A: When posts and topics are deleted, they are sent to topic 412, aka the dustbin. These posts are inappropriate for Scratch, and are only accessible to moderators.

Q: What is an ITopic?
A: An ITopic is when a guide is introduced to Scratch and is verified by the Scratch Team to be a reliable guide, so they add “ITopic” to the beginning of the title. It's basically like a sticky, but is not at the top of all the topics. Usually this happens when there are too many stickies.

Q: What is necroposting?
A: Necroposting is when a user comments on an old, sometimes resolved, topic without adding to the conversation. There is actually no necroposting in Suggestions, Things I'm Reading and Playing, Things I'm Making and Creating, and Show and Tell, as long as it is contributing to the discussion.

Q: How do I edit my signature?
A: Go to:

scratch.mit.edu/discuss/settings/YOUR USERNAME HERE/

Or click the link at the bottom of the discussion home page.

Q: Has a collab ever worked?
Yes, although not usually. The less people involved in the collaboration, the more likely it is to succeed. Relying on others is good, but some may not be able to fulfill their duties and will have to be replaced.

Q: What is bumping a topic?
A: Bumping a topic is when a user posts on their topic normally because of their question not being met or just because the topic is inactive. The rule to bumping, however, is, a user may bump any topic they want, even if it's not theirs, though it must not be resolved, old, or replaced. The topic may also only be bumped once every 24 hours or when it reaches page 2, where most topics are overlooked.

Q: What do the forums look like for an ST member?
A: It's not entirely clear, actually. Scratch Team members are forbidden from disclosing such information. We do know, however, that they can see IP addresses, account creation dates, exact amounts of posts, and they can access deleted topics and posts, can delete posts and signatures, close any topics, sticky them, etc.

Q: What is block spamming?
A: Blockspamming is when users use the scratch blocks plugin to create long, unneeded, and completely off-topic scripts. However, using the block plugin to display an on-topic message is NOT spam, according to this post. (Thanks to @Col_Cat228 for the explanation)

Q: How do I suggest stuff for scratch?
A: First off, paste the following text in your search browser (preferably a Chrome browser):

 site:scratch.mit.edu/discuss

Now put a space in between and put your suggestion. If no forum topic about your suggestion has been made, you may make a new topic in the suggestions forum, which is right under the QAS Forum on the home page. If it is taken, then you may constructively contribute to the conversation.


Q: Why was the forum/user search bar removed?
A: It was just already a broken feature, and it is not currently on Scratch's priority list to fix it.

Q: What's a sticky?
A: A sticky is a topic containing useful information that new forumers may find helpful, such as this one. These topics are pinned to the top of the first page as its the first thing Scratchers will see.

Q: Why doesn't the Scratch Team implement highly supported suggestions?
A: The Scratch Team are a small group of people, and there's a lot of work that goes into planning, designing, and developing new features into Scratch. Sometimes they simply don't have the resources to do so (time, money, developers, etc.), or they find that the cons outweigh the benefits of a suggestion. A lot of supports doesn't mean a suggestion will be implemented. And, many suggestions have already been implemented by the Scratch Team, such as Scratch on mobile devices, so they do listen to the community. But keep in mind the suggestion has to be possible, and beneficial for Scratch, and even then, it takes a lot of time for something to be added. The support amount does not contribute to how likely it is to be implemented. However, suggestions, do indeed get implemented on the forums. Here is a short list of some suggestions that have been suggested on the forums that were implemented:

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Here are some frequently asked questions about the project editor.

Q: Why isn't my project saving?
A: Probably because you have a large file in your project (Music files, images, etc..) Try cutting the file into smaller pieces. If it's not that, report it in the Bugs and Glitches forum.

Q: How do I delete a broadcast?
A: It will delete itself if it is not in use. Simply delete all the blocks that are using the broadcast that you want to delete.

Q: What does “clean up” do?
A: It puts all of the code in a straight line, allowing users to easily read the code.

Q: How do I save a sprite’s costume?
Right-click (or hold on a mobile device) the costume in the costume editor, and then press “Export.” That way, you’ll only get the sprite, not the transparent background that comes with it.

Q: Why do people say to double click the flag?
A: Some projects with multiple “when green flag clicked” blocks can be a bit buggy with only one click. By clicking multiple times, it ensures that the lag will be reduced.

Q: Can I make a remix without any changes?
A: No. Scratch encourages creativity, and remixes with no changes would completely defy that. Those sorts of projects are reportable.

Q: Where do I add extensions?
A: Click on the blue button at the bottom of the project editor. Then, click on the extension you want to add.

Q: Why can't I use cloud variables?
A: You must be a Scratcher to use cloud data. If it doesn't work then, report it here.

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Have any questions about the rules of Scratch? Go here before you ask them.
Q: Can you unban _____?
A: For privacy reasons, only the owner of the account is given details on their ban, and the owner should take action if they are banned. If you are the owner of the account, you may use Contact Us to submit an appeal.

Q: Can you ban _____ for _____?
A: Please either report minor offenses with the report button beside each comment. If it is major (Impersonation, large amounts of harassment, etc.) use Contact Us. Please do not carry the drama onto the forums, because it is against the guidelines to name and shame.

Q: Is it okay to make projects with blacklisted words?
A: No, because some curious users could go inside the project and see those words. Chat projects in general are not okay unless they have pre-set phrases that you can choose to say.

Q: When can I reshare my censored project?
A: If the Scratch Team has seen your censored project and has deemed it appropriate for Scratch, it will be ok to reshare. They will let you know when it is ok to reshare it, so be patient and wait for a reply.

Q: Why does the Scratch Team allow some bad words?
A: The words damn, frick, crap, LMAO, etc. are not considered offensive enough to be banned. Some more coarse swears would be reportable if used on the site.

Q: What are the rules on FNAF projects?
A: FNAF projects are all automatically marked NFE, to play it safe. You may not make any FNAF project that contains jumpscares, as even with warnings, a child may not know what they are getting into. You can make games featuring FNAF characters, as long as there are no jumpscares, but they will still be marked NFE to play it safe.

Q: What do I do if somebody is copying my projects and isn't changing anything about them?
A: First, start by reporting the users copied projects. If the user doesn't stop, you may email scratch here.

Q: What is false reporting and mass reporting?
A: The phrase “I was false reported” is often used to cover up the fact you broke a rule. The ST checks everything about the account before filing a report, so please don't spam the forums because you broke a rule. Mass Reporting is a real thing, however, as the ST's moderation system automatically takes down projects if there is a lot of reports in a short time to prevent anything bad from being spread. If the mass reports are false, however, the users doing the mass reporting will be moderated in some way, and the project will be brought back to Scratch.

Q: Why do my numbers turn into x's when I post?
Scratch blocks long strings of numbers to prevent users from giving out phone numbers and other personal info.

Q: Why can't I link to Google docs? (Or drive, or sites, or slides, etc.
A: Google Docs can be used to share information and create private chat rooms, which is strictly banned on Scratch.

Q: Why isn't the word Discord allowed?
A: Users could share Discord servers, which has private messaging, and private messaging is not safe for Scratch.

Q: How do copyright laws affect projects?
A: If a company believes that a project is infringing on their rights to copyright, they can create a DMCA request to remove the project. If the Scratch Team can verify they are who they claim to be, they will have to remove the project to protect copyright. However, any Scratcher can appeal, stating why they believe the project was innocent.

Q: Are guns allowed on Scratch?
A: Realistic guns are not allowed on Scratch. This is because they bring back traumatizing memories to some Scratchers. A laser gun, water gun, etc. is allowed, but pistols, rifles, etc. are not.

Q: What does NFE mean?
A: It means that the project had themes or relates to things that some Scratchers could feel uncomfortable by, but isn't bad enough to issue a project takedown. These projects do not show up in Search Results. (Relating to FNAF, Blood, Guns, and Violence are some things that can NFE a project)

Q: What are the rules for sharing social media / livestreams?
A: Sharing YouTube videos is allowed as long as the content and comments are for all ages and don't share personal information. Those same rules must be followed when linking YouTube channels, as well. Due to containing unmoderated chat, links to live streams or channels with live streams are not allowed. The description and about me of the YouTube channel and YouTube video also must not link to anything that is not for all ages, contains private information, contains private messaging, or contains unmoderated chat. Links to sites or usernames from social media such as Reddit, Patreon, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitch, and Twitter are not allowed. If you have a question about what is allowed regarding social media, you can ask a question here in the forums or use Contact Us.

Q: Is rickrolling allowed?
A: As long as you are being respectful, rickrolling is allowed. An example of rickrolling disrespectfully would be answering a question on the forums with a rickroll. That would be off-topic and impolite to the user who is struggling.

Q: What do I do if someone finds out my real name?
A: First of all, contact the Scratch Team. They can help fix this fishy behavior. Next, make sure not to reveal too much information about yourself. A few bits of info are fine, but too much (or too significant) info can be detrimental if you don’t want your Scratch account to be found out. For example, it would be okay if @ExampleUser revealed, perhaps, his first name and age, but it would not be wise for him to reveal his name, age, birthday, state he lives in, ethnicity, last initial, middle name, etc.

Q: How many alerts can you get until you are banned?
A: It depends on the offense. Basically, you will be banned if you break the guidelines multiple times without changing your behavior, or if you do something very serious, such as trolling, or something illegal.

Q: Is Among Us-style gore allowed?
A: No. Don't show crewmates with half of their bodies cut off. No blood, either. Among Us content is allowed, just avoid gore.

Q: Is there a way to block Scratchers?
A: There is no way to block Scratchers, because it dodges the problem. If a Scratch is bullying you, you need to report them. If you ignore them, it will not necessarily stop them from continuing this behavior on the site and affecting others.

Q: Is it okay to use a mild version of a swear word?
A: Yes, but if someone doesn’t like that, then respect it and don’t mention it again. For example, you can say frick. That is perfectly acceptable. Saying the original swear word, however, crosses the line between acceptable and unacceptable. Do not overstep the bounds.

Q: Is simulated gambling allowed?
A: The gambling itself is allowed, as several Scratch Team members have gambling in their projects. However, please refrain from using inappropriate casino elements such as alcoholic beverages or inappropriate outfits.

Q: What is considered private information and what is not?
A: Sharing addresses, emails, private messaging sites, phone numbers, full names, birthday and age together, etc. would be considered private information that you are restricted from sharing. If you see anyone share these things, please report them so that a Scratch Team member can take a look.

Q: What counts as a music sharing project that isn't allowed?
A: If the music is not yours, is the sole purpose of the project, and does not express your creativity in any way, it is not allowed for Scratch.

Q: Is DDLC content allowed?
A: Yes, but nothing inappropriate or scary. Additionally, realize that it will be marked as Not for Everyone and will not appear in search results.

Q: Can I ban/kick certain people from my game?
A: No. Scratch projects are for anyone. If someone is misusing your project, you should report them so that the Scratch Team can handle them..

Q: Is kissing allowed on Scratch?
A: No. It would be inappropriate for younger kids to see kissing, so please report any kissing that you see on Scratch.

Q: Are alcoholic beverages allowed on Scratch?
A: No. These kinds of references are inappropriate for younger users, so please report any alcoholic beverages on Scratch.

Q: How much blood is allowed in my project?
According to the wiki, the exact amount of blood is hard to tell, and it depends on how the blood is in your project. However, it's safer to not include any blood in your project, or your project might be marked NFE, or even taken down.

Q: Is discolored blood allowed?
A: The rules on discolored blood are the same as regular blood. It's technically allowed depending on how it's used, but it would be best to just add no blood.

Q: Why is F4F allowed?
A: While many users tend to be annoyed by F4F, it is relatively harmless, and it does unite the community. If you do not wish to do F4F with another user, politely decline their request.

Q: Are you allowed to make projects with extremely loud noises?
A: Yes, but it might be best to add a loud noise warning so users don't get hurt ears. Additionally, it may be marked Not for Everyone so that some users don't get their ears hurt.

Q: Why is it considered too personal to share your birthdate and age?
A: While it is ok to share the birthdate or your age, you cannot share both. If you share one of those, it's ok. @Sliverus revealed he's 15 at the time of writing, for example. That's ok; there are a lot of 15 year old Scratchers.

But let's say he revealed his birthday was December 13 (this is a made-up date, not real). That would be dangerous because it scarily narrows down how many Scratchers have such birth info, and you're much easier to be tracked down that way.


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Need to catch up on some history and lore about Scratch? Go here!

Q: Who founded Scratch?
A: Mitchel Resnick, or @mres, is believed to be the founder, or at least one of the founders, of Scratch.

Q: How did Scratch get its name?
A: Mitchel Resnick, the believed founder of Scratch, said himself that Scratch referred to how when DJs remix the music, they scratch it. This is also referring to how users can remix projects.

Q: Who is Kaj?
A: Kaj was a scratcher who threatened to hack the website. Note the fact they threatened to hack, but whether they did or not is unconfirmed. Nowadays the name is generally used as a meme, such as “Follow this studio or else Kaj will hack your account”. But if you see anyone trying to spread false info about Kaj, or is falling for it, report the comments/studio/project(s). A more detailed description of the Kaj story can be found here.

Q: What is the oldest topic that still exists?
Topic 7 is the oldest topic that still exists.

Q: What does it mean to “be moist”?
A: It's a trend started when the user @Super_Scratch_Bros20 discovered the signature of a user named @Moisture. The signature read: “Be moist ” A user named @Za-Chary said he wanted this to be the newest trend, which gave alot of users the idea to change their signatures to say “Be moist ”

Q: When will 4.0 come out?
A: 3.0 was released January, 2019. The Scratch Team is still trying to improve 3.0 and fix the bugs and glitches it has. As such, unless something major happens like Javascript goes obsolete (which is very unlikely), 4.0 will not be released anytime soon.

Q: What was the removed Pac-Man project?
A: Bandai Namco, creators of PAC-MAN, found a PAC-MAN-related project made by @124scrqtch similar to the original game. Convinced that it infringed upon their rights, Bandai Namco sent a Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) to the Scratch Team, ordering the project’s removal. Uninterested in commencing a legal war over a little kid’s project, the Scratch Team obeyed the DMCA and removed the PAC-MAN project. This received a lot of backlash and users disagreeing with the removal. Of course, many more projects were removed by DMCA requests, but the PAC-MAN project is the most notable. More information on the project can be found here, and more information on DMCA takedowns can be found here.

Q: What are GDPR accounts?
A: GDPR is a set of European laws that gives users the ability to wipe every bit of data about them on any website. What Scratch does when a user wants to wipe their data is they set the username to GDPRXXXXXX, and resets the birth date and country of the user.

Q: How do accounts with no projects and no activity get tons of followers?
Most of those accounts are called namesnipes, where a user takes a common word used in a language, or a popular topic, and sets their username to that word/topic. These accounts are commonly never used. Users on Scratch like to follow these accounts to either;