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It is possible to run and edit Scratch Projects using smartphones and other mobile devices. Unlike Scratch 2.0, Scratch 3.0 does not require the Adobe Flash Player (which mobile devices, and now most web browsers, don't support) and is compatible with all devices capable of running a modern browser, such as most mobile devices. However, it is important to note that Scratch is mainly designed for computers, and as such, using it on a mobile device is often sub-optimal.
Experience
The website's user interface is difficult to navigate on the smaller screen resolution of a mobile phone, as it was designed to be used on a high resolution desktop screen, and does not optimize for mobile devices. Most buttons on the header are hidden from view, and scrolling through the website's pages is very challenging. The project editor is virtually unusable, as it cannot be fit on the small screen of a mobile device and most of the editor just cuts off on the edges. However, if the user directly inputs a project's link into their browser and hits the full screen button, the project will usually run smoothly, and the player will usually fit on the mobile phone's screen. The Mouse X and Mouse Y blocks will report the last location the screen was tapped on, and the Mouse Down block will only return true if the finger is held down on the screen. However, the When () Key Pressed and Key () Pressed? keys will not work unless an external keyboard is connected to the mobile device, creating some limits for projects involving use of the keyboard on mobile.
Tablets work significantly better than mobile phones on Scratch. The large screen size removes most of the UI constraints experienced on mobile phones, and the website is much easier to navigate. The project editor is also usable on tablets. Blocks with numerical inputs will use a virtual number pad when the numerical inputs are opened, and string inputs will open the device's native keyboard. However, the When () Key Pressed and Key () Pressed? blocks will still not work on a tablet unless an external keyboard is connected.
Limitations
Programs are Limited to Using the Mouse input
The keyboard is not available for use, and the mouse is simulated based on the current finger position, and stays in the same position after the finger is released. Multi touch is not supported. Although external keyboards are supported, they have been known to have issues.[1]
No Device Sensor Access
Because Scratch is designed for desktops, Scratch currently does not have any blocks for reading data from the sensors in mobile devices. For example, built-in tilt and acceleration sensors (gyro and accelerometer) cannot be accessed.
Scratch Android App
In addition to the website functioning on mobile devices, there is also an Android app on the Google Play Store of Scratch. It is primarily designed for Chromebooks and Android tablets, and does not function well on smartphones. Projects save inside the app and can be directly shared with the online community from it.[2]
