What are Events?
In Scratch, an event is something that happens — like clicking the green flag, pressing a key, or clicking on a sprite. Events are the starting pistol for your scripts: nothing runs in Scratch until an event fires!
Real-world analogy
Hat Blocks
Events are represented by hat-shaped blocks at the top of scripts. A script can only run if it starts with a hat block.
Instant Reaction
When an event fires, Scratch immediately starts the attached script — no delays, no waiting.
Multiple Scripts
Multiple scripts can react to the same event at once. All matching hat blocks across all sprites fire simultaneously.
Broadcasting
Sprites can create their own custom events by broadcasting messages, allowing sprites to talk to each other.
Key vocabulary
- Event — a trigger that causes a script to start running.
- Hat block — the curved-top block that begins every script.
- Broadcast — a custom message sent to all sprites and the stage.
- Receiver — a sprite (or stage) that reacts to a broadcast.
⚡ Interactive Event Visualiser
Click an event type below to see how Scratch reacts:
Click an event type above to see it fire…