Switch Costume to () (block)

Switch Costume to ()
switch costume to ( v)
Category	Looks
Type	Stack

The Switch Costume to () block is a Looks block and a stack block that changes its Sprite's costume to a specified one.

This block is used whenever a sprite must switch to a specific costume (instead of the Next Costume block, which only switches to the next costume in the costume list). A variable (or any reporter block) containing a number or the name of a costume can be dropped in. If a non-whole number is input into the block, the number is rounded.

The Stage uses backdrops instead of costumes, which can be switched with the Switch Backdrop to () block.

History

An old version of the block

In very early, unreleased beta versions of Scratch, this block was called Look Like (). This original name is also the reason why its Squeak method was titled lookLike:.

Example Uses

Because of its simplicity, this block does not have a specific list of main uses — it is simply used to change the costume of a sprite.

Some common uses are as follows:

• Simply changing a costume

when I receive [Broadcast v]
switch costume to (costume2 v)
go to x: (0) y: (0)
show

• Changing a costume as part of a sequence

wait until <(variable) = [50]>
change x by (10)
switch costume to (costume1 v)

Workaround

Main article: List of Block Workarounds

This block can be replicated with the following code:

repeat until <(wanted costume #) = (costume [number v])>
next costume
end

However, it is normally much faster to use the original block, and if there are many costumes, the sprite will appear to "flash" between the different costumes.

Things Worth Noting

Naming Costume As a Number

When naming a costume as a number, Scratch will be confused if costumes are switched via variable:

switch costume to (variable)

Especially if the variable is a number.

If possible, costumes should not be named as numbers, as this will eliminate the ability to change to a costume via its number, changing to a different costume instead.

Effects of Too Many Layers on a Costume Switch

Sometimes, a costume will not switch to the desired costume. This is usually an effect of the use of layers. Large amounts of layers have a tendency to create immense lag, and therefore on less powerful computers/machines, this can cause a delay between switches in costume appearance.

See Also

• Next Costume
• Costume #
• Switch Backdrop to ()
• Costume
• Change Costume by ()