How to customize sprites in Scratch

Sprites, also known as characters in Scratch , are customizable tools that can make the game more fun.

What is a sprite in Scratch?

Sprites in Scratch are the characters that your Scratch code controls. For example, you can write code to make sprites move or talk. These sprites can be people, animals, or objects. The default sprite in Scratch is a cat, but you can change it to anything you want.

Sprite images in the Scratch library

When you launch a Scratch program, you'll have access to a library of sprites with various options. There's a circular icon in the bottom right corner with a cat and a plus sign. Clicking this icon will display all the images in the library that you can add to your program. For example, some images you might find in the library include penguins, starfish, and dinosaurs.

If you can't find the sprite image you need in the library, you can create your own. If there's a character image in the library that closely matches your requirements, you can edit it by going to the 'Costumes' tab. There, you'll have options to change the character image's colors, remove or add details. You can also create your own custom character image! Here are the detailed instructions.

How to customize a sprite in Scratch

If you want to start from a blank canvas to create a sprite in Scratch, you can first hover over the Choose a Sprite icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to add a sprite from the library. Then click on the paintbrush icon to create the character you want.

Let's look at the following example to better understand the next steps.

The initial idea for this Scratch project, inspired by celestial bodies, was to bring constellations to life by animating them. A walking bear would be the perfect starting point for creating the Ursa Major constellation. Here, its movement would be preserved, a long tail added, and the constellation superimposed on top of the bear.

Change color

After clicking on the paintbrush, a blank screen appears where you can use different colors, shapes, and text to create the character image you want!

For example, in this article, if you want the constellation to blend into the night sky, you'll color it a deep blue. To achieve this, the fill tool will be used to create various shades of blue for the body and outline.

Edit the shape

An important detail for the Big Dipper constellation is its very prominent tail. The shape and angle of the bear's tail need to be adjusted. The first step is to separate all the body components.

Now, the tail can be edited separately. For example, the angle of the tail has been changed and it has been moved further away from the body.

Next, switch to the direct selection tool, which allows you to manipulate individual points on a curve. For example, you've extended the length of the tail and adjusted some feather details.

Add a star

Add circles to represent stars and lines to form constellations.

Now repeat the same steps for each outfit. This can be time-consuming, especially if the character image you're using has many outfits or if you're adding your own outfits. Patience will yield truly amazing results, so don't hesitate to repeat the process.