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Use scratch to design a character maker

Use scratch to design a character maker
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Use Scratch to design an interactive character maker where you create sprites, add costumes, customize attributes, and program buttons to save or reset characters.

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Step-by-step guide to design a character maker in Scratch

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How to Make a Character Designer in Scratch | Tutorial

What you need
Coloring materials (optional), mouse and keyboard, scratch account

Step 1

Open Scratch in your browser and start a new project to get a blank stage.

Step 2

Delete the default Cat sprite so you can build your character from scratch.

Step 3

Add and paint at least four sprites named Body; Hair; Eyes; Mouth using the Paint Editor so each part can change separately.

Step 4

Add 2 to 4 different costumes to each part sprite so you have multiple styles to choose from.

Step 5

Create these variables for all sprites: hairIndex; eyesIndex; colorIndex; sizePercent; galleryX so you can control attributes and the save gallery.

Step 6

Make a button sprite called "Change Hair" and script it so when clicked it changes hairIndex by 1 then if hairIndex is greater than the number of hair costumes set hairIndex to 1 and broadcast "updateCharacter".

Step 7

Make a button sprite called "Change Eyes" and script it so when clicked it changes eyesIndex by 1 then if eyesIndex is greater than the number of eye costumes set eyesIndex to 1 and broadcast "updateCharacter".

Step 8

Make a button sprite called "Change Color" and script it so when clicked it changes colorIndex by 1 then if colorIndex is greater than 4 set colorIndex to 1 and broadcast "updateCharacter".

Step 9

Make a button sprite called "Change Size" and script it so when clicked it changes sizePercent by 25 then if sizePercent is greater than 125 set sizePercent to 50 and broadcast "updateCharacter".

Step 10

In each part sprite add code: when I receive "updateCharacter" switch to the costume number stored in its index variable set the color effect to (colorIndex * 25) and set size to sizePercent so the part updates when variables change.

Step 11

Make a button sprite called "Save" and script it so when clicked it sets galleryX to 120 and broadcasts "saveCharacter" so clones can be made into a gallery.

Step 12

In every part sprite add these scripts: when I receive "saveCharacter" create clone; when I start as a clone go to x (galleryX) y -100 change size to (sizePercent * 0.5) change galleryX by 60 and stop this script so each saved clone appears as a small copy in a row on the right.

Step 13

Make a button sprite called "Reset" and script it so when clicked it sets hairIndex to 1 eyesIndex to 1 colorIndex to 1 sizePercent to 100 and broadcasts "updateCharacter" to return the character to the default look.

Step 14

Share your finished interactive character maker and your favorite saved characters on DIY.org so everyone can see your awesome creation.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can I use if I can't access Scratch in a browser or the Paint Editor is hard to use?

Use Scratch Desktop or import premade PNGs/JPGs as costumes and name the imported sprites Body, Hair, Eyes, and Mouth so you can change parts without using the Paint Editor.

When I click Save my gallery clones overlap or the row jumps too far—how do I fix that?

Ensure only one sprite (for example the Body sprite) runs 'when I receive saveCharacter create clone' and the 'change galleryX by 60' step so galleryX increments once per saved character while the Save button still sets galleryX to 120 before broadcasting.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids reduce parts to Body and Hair with just 2 costumes each and larger Change buttons that change sizePercent by 25, while older kids can add keyboard controls, extra costume sets, a Randomize button that changes hairIndex/eyesIndex/colorIndex/sizePercent, or animate broadcasts like updateCharacter.

What are simple ways to extend or personalize the character maker?

Add a 'Randomize' button that sets hairIndex, eyesIndex, colorIndex and sizePercent to random values then broadcasts 'updateCharacter', and create a list or label to attach names to each saved clone before sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to design a character maker in Scratch

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Beginners Guide To Scratch (VERY Simple)

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Facts about Scratch programming for kids

🖼️ Costumes in Scratch can be vector SVGs or bitmap PNGs, so vector costumes scale without getting pixelated.

🎭 In Scratch, each sprite can have many costumes — switching costumes is how you animate or change outfits.

🌍 Millions of projects are shared on the Scratch website, making it a huge kid-friendly community for creative coding.

📡 Save and reset actions in Scratch are often built with broadcasts and variables to store or restore character attributes.

🏫 Scratch was created at the MIT Media Lab and was first released to the public in 2007.

How do I make an interactive character maker in Scratch?

Start by planning attributes (hair, eyes, clothes). Create a base sprite and add multiple costumes for each feature or separate feature sprites. Make variables for attributes (color, style). Program clickable button sprites using “when this sprite clicked” to switch costumes or set variables. Use broadcasts to update the display and a list to store saved character data. Add Reset to restore defaults. Test step-by-step and refine scripts for smooth switching and visual feedback.

What materials do I need to build a Scratch character maker?

You need a computer or tablet with internet (or Scratch Desktop), and a Scratch account if you want to save projects online. Optional tools: mouse for easier clicking, image editor for creating custom costumes, and a notebook for planning attributes and buttons. If working with children, have headphones and a quiet workspace. That’s all—Scratch’s built-in costume editor and library often provide enough assets to start without extra materials.

What ages is a Scratch character maker suitable for?

A Scratch character maker is suitable for children about 7–14 years old. Younger kids (5–7) can participate with adult help by choosing costumes and pressing buttons, while older kids can design attributes, write scripts, and use lists or broadcast messages. Complexity can be scaled: simple costume swaps for beginners, variables and saving features for intermediate learners, and cloning or JSON-style lists for older or more advanced students.

What are the benefits and safety tips for kids making character makers in Scratch?

Benefits include creativity, problem-solving, sequencing logic, and basic UI design as kids map buttons to actions. It also teaches debugging and project organization. For safety, avoid sharing personal info in public projects, use a child account or supervised profile, and back up projects locally. Encourage respectful character design and check online comments if you share the project. Try variations like randomize, exportable costume sets, or themed templates to extend learning.
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