Description:
This outstanding guide teaches users of every level how to master this animation and multimedia tool. You start off with a tour of Flash and its toolset and then import files from (and export to) Macromedia FreeHand, Extreme 3D, Fontographer, Director, and Authorware. Next you learn how to use Flash's vector-based drawing tools to create artwork and modify imported images. Then you enliven your work by creating and transforming overlays and symbols. In creating animations, you work with frames, key frames, onion skinning, and frame-by-frame and tweening techniques. Plant teaches you how to add complexity and interactivity to your movie by working with layers, scenes, and frame and button actions. He explores the ways in which you can have your Flash movie interact with its Web page and have multiple actions happen with the click of a button. You also learn how to add sounds to buttons and work with streaming audio. In the chapter on delivering movies, you use the Shockwave Flash Export dialog box, learn about compression, create stand-alone projectors, and use Size Reports and the Bandwidth Profiler. Finally, you integrate Flash movies into your site and take a look at sample Flash sites that have been particularly popular. In the appendices, you learn the basics of configuring a Web server for serving Shockwave Flash movies, handle broken plug-in icons, and work with Aftershock. You also tackle transmission-speed issues, Object and Embed tag references, and JavaScript and VBScript. The guide includes a list of keyboard shortcuts, and the CD-ROM includes practice files and trial versions of Flash and other Macromedia products. --Kathleen Caster
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