Flash MX graphics, animation and interactivity

Updated to the latest release, this book explains and demonstrates how you can create a Web site with maximum effect and a limited file size. Concepts are discussed in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner, complete with applied examples of the newest Flash MX functions. The book provides coverage of vector animation commonly associated with Flash, as well as information on integrating video, sound, text and basic ActionScripting to polish off your site. This book is the perfect learning tool and desk reference for anyone using Flash MX for web design.

Author Notes

James L. Mohler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University.

Introduction	p. xv
Chapter 1 An Overview of Flash	p. 1
Introduction	p. 1
Objectives	p. 2
The Realities of Web Delivery	p. 2
Designing for Your Audience	p. 3
Flash: The De Facto Standard	p. 8
What's New in MX?	p. 18
Summary	p. 20
Chapter 2 Getting Started	p. 21
Introduction	p. 21
Objectives	p. 21
The Flash Interface	p. 22
Setting Up Your Work Environment	p. 29
Working with Flash Movies	p. 37
The Flash Pipeline	p. 42
Information/Assistance Resources	p. 43
Summary	p. 45
Chapter 3 Flash Basics	p. 47
Introduction	p. 47
Objectives	p. 47
Traditional Vector Versus Flash	p. 48
Basic Tools	p. 49
Controlling the View	p. 51
Selecting Objects	p. 53
Commonalities with Other Applications	p. 62
The Flash Environment Hierarchy	p. 65
Working with Overlay Objects	p. 78
Distributing Objects to Layers	p. 80
Transforming Objects	p. 80
Summary	p. 88
Chapter 4 Drawing and Painting Tools	p. 89
Introduction	p. 89
Objectives	p. 90
The Properties Panel	p. 90
Color in Flash	p. 92
Creating Lines and Arcs	p. 103
Creating Lines with Fills	p. 106
"Drawing" Fills Using the Brush Tool	p. 109
Tools for Editing	p. 111
Other Editing Features and Notes	p. 117
Importing Vector Graphics into Flash	p. 121
Summary	p. 122
Chapter 5 Working with Text	p. 123
Introduction	p. 123
Objectives	p. 123
Types of Text in Flash	p. 124
Using the Text Tool	p. 124
Dynamic Text	p. 130
Creating Input Text Objects	p. 133
Manipulating Text Objects	p. 134
Fonts and Font Mapping	p. 136
Summary	p. 139
Chapter 6 Symbols and Libraries	p. 141
Introduction	p. 141
Objectives	p. 142
The Power of Symbols and Libraries	p. 142
Symbol Behaviors (Types)	p. 142
Different Symbols, Different Purposes	p. 148
Understanding Libraries	p. 157
Other Assets in Libraries	p. 169
Summary	p. 172
Chapter 7 Bitmap Graphics	p. 173
Introduction	p. 173
Objectives	p. 173
Attributes of Raster Graphics	p. 173
Preparing Raster Graphics	p. 178
Getting Bitmaps into Flash	p. 181
Using Bitmaps in Flash	p. 187
Notes Concerning Bitmaps	p. 190
Summary	p. 190
Chapter 8 Sound Elements	p. 191
Introduction	p. 191
Objectives	p. 191
Understanding Computer Audio	p. 192
Sampling Digital Audio	p. 198
Prepping Clips for Use	p. 201
Importing Sound into Flash	p. 205
Associating Sounds with Frames	p. 207
Synchronization of Graphics and Audio	p. 208
Sound Settings in the Properties Panel	p. 209
Flash Sound Settings	p. 214
Summary	p. 218
Chapter 9 2D Animation and Effects	p. 219
Introduction	p. 219
Objectives	p. 219
Creating a Basic Animation in Flash	p. 220
Motion Tweens	p. 238
Shape Tweens	p. 251
Creating Animated Effects	p. 255
A Mask for Any Occasion: Transitions	p. 265
More on Masks	p. 271
Advanced Motion Guide Layers	p. 273
Summary	p. 278
Chapter 10 3D Animations and Flash	p. 279
Introduction	p. 279
Objectives	p. 280
Methods of Creating/Simulating 3D	p. 280
Summary	p. 297
Chapter 11 Video and Flash	p. 299
Introduction	p. 299
Objectives	p. 299
Attributes of Digital Video	p. 300
Preparing Video for Use	p. 307
Importing Video into Flash	p. 312
Summary	p. 323
Chapter 12 Testing, Integration, and Distribution	p. 325
Introduction	p. 325
Objectives	p. 326
Test, Test, and Test Again	p. 326
Distributing Your Movies	p. 329
SWF Versus FLA	p. 332
Using Export Movie	p. 332
SWF to EXE (Projector)	p. 337
Exporting Images	p. 338
Cross-platform Issues	p. 338
Web Delivery	p. 340
Publish Settings	p. 341
Using the Publish Command	p. 351
Writing HTML	p. 352
Working with Publish Templates	p. 357
Examining and Creating Templates	p. 357
Streaming, Testing, and Playback	p. 358
Optimizing Your Files	p. 366
Summary	p. 370
Chapter 13 Introduction to ActionScripting	p. 371
Introduction	p. 371
Objectives	p. 372
ActionScript: A Holistic View	p. 372
Where Scripts Are Placed	p. 382
Actions Panel: A Closer Look	p. 390
Precedence in the Flash Environment	p. 394
ActionScript Syntax Issues	p. 403
Programming Fundamentals	p. 413
Summary	p. 444
Chapter 14 Working with Actions	p. 445
Introduction	p. 445
Objectives	p. 445
Additional Tools for Scripting	p. 446
Movie Control Actions	p. 451
Applying Movie Control Actions	p. 454
Browser/Network Actions	p. 459
Movie Clip Control	p. 485
Summary	p. 489
Chapter 15 Printing and Accessibility	p. 491
Introduction	p. 491
Objectives	p. 491
Printing Screen Content	p. 491
Print-focused Actions	p. 493
Controlling What Is Printed	p. 496
Using Invisible Movies	p. 498
Accessibility	p. 498
Flash Objects and Accessibility	p. 499
Summary	p. 502
Glossary	p. 503
Appendix A Skewing Angles for Elements	p. 521
Appendix B Deprecated Actions	p. 535
Appendix C Other Macromedia Tools	p. 537
Appendix D Configuring Your Server	p. 539
Appendix E Key Code Values	p. 543
Appendix F About the Companion CD-ROM	p. 545
Index	p. 551

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Author Notes

Table of Contents