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Details the new features available with Flash version 5.0. Focuses on the important components required to get the reader started with Flash 5.0 quickly.
Create imaginative and lively animation for the web with Essential Flash 5.0 fast! The latest release of Macromedia's Flash, version 5.0, adds new features to the popular web applications software - such as enhanced colour controls, better selection highlights, draggable guides, pen tool, shared libraries, new panels, and expanded ActionScript capabilities. Essential Flash 5.0 fast provides a simple yet thorough introduction to the world of Flash. With clear and concise examples, Fiaz Hussain explains: - The Flash development enviro nment - How to create simple and complex objects - Using the shape editing tools and colour - All about symbols and their instances - Layers and animation - Interactivity, including ActionScripting - How to optimise Flash movies for fast downloads
List of contents
1. Flash Environment.- The environment.- The Stage.- The Toolbars.- The Timeline.- The Panels.- 2. Flash Basics.- Bitmap and vector graphics.- Import and export of artwork.- Setting Preferences.- Speeding-up displays.- Grids, rulers and guides.- 3. Simple Flash Objects.- Tools on the Toolbox.- Drawing a straight line.- Drawing ovals and rectangles.- Drawing with the Pencil tool.- Drawing with the Brush tool.- Working with the Pen tool.- 4. Editing Flash Objects.- Selecting objects.- Using the Arrow tool.- Using the Lasso tool.- Using the Brush tool.- Using the Paint Bucket tool.- Using the Ink Bottle tool.- Using the Eraser tool.- Using the Dropper tool.- Aligning objects.- Transformation of objects.- 5. Adding Text.- Understanding Flash text.- Using the Text tool.- Working with text.- Editing text objects.- Editing text characters.- Working with text shapes.- 6. Working With Imported Bitmaps.- Understanding bitmaps.- Importing bitmaps.- Editing bitmap images.- Converting bitmaps to vector graphics.- Setting bitmap properties.- 7. Using The Library, Symbols AND INSTANCES.- The Library interface.- Working with Library folders.- Working with imported files.- Creating symbols.- Editing symbols.- Creating and editing instances.- Working with symbols and instances.- Working with shared symbols.- 8. Understanding Layers.- Creating layers.- Editing layers.- Viewing layers.- Types of layers.- 9. Adding Animation.- Working with the Timeline.- Viewing frames in the Timeline.- Frame types.- Working with frames.- Creating frame-by-frame animation.- Onion-skinning an animation.- Creating shape-tweened animation.- Creating motion-tweened animation.- 10. Interactivity and Scripting.- Working with editable text boxes.- Introducing buttons.- Adding action to buttons.- Adding action to frames.- Working with movies.- 11. Publishing and Exporting Movies.- Testing the movie for functionality and performance.- Understanding Publish Settings.- Previewing publish settings.- Exporting movies.- Printing movies.
Summary
Macromedia's Flash 5.0 is one of the most dynamic and powerful design applications for interactive web-based animation. No doubt, the technology has given birth to a new generation of internet designers. This book reveals readers all the tips and techniques so that they can start designing quickly. Both old and new features are covered in the book. New features include: improved interface design, new creative tools, and action scripts for interactivity.
