Identifying the Elements of the Flash Interface

from: Adobe Flash Professional CS5: Learn by Video

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About this lesson

Before learning any new software, it is important to be able to identify the components of the interface. Anything you learn after that will depend on your ability to recognize the various parts of the software by their proper name. This lesson will introduce the Flash CS5 interface.

From: Adobe Flash Professional CS5: Learn by Video

This in-depth course, published in partnership with Peachpit Press, offers an incredible training value with over 18 hours of video instruction plus a 120-page full-color guide. Together they will teach you the fundamentals of Adobe Flash Professional CS5, as well as the basic principles of rich media design. You’ll master the program’s interface and learn how to use essential commands and tools to create animations and design interactive Web pages using rich media. Interactive quizzes throughout the course reinforce what you’ve learned, and when you’re done you´ll be ready to complete the “Rich Media Communication Using Adobe Flash CS5” exam at the Adobe Certified Associate level.

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This chapter introduces you to the Flash application and interface.

Getting Started with Flash CS5
- Learn what Flash is used for and the types of files Flash can create.
  
  Introduction
  - This video answers the questions "What is Flash used for?" and "What types of files can I create with Flash CS5?".
    
    What can I create with Flash?
    
    00:51
  - Flash can output various file formats. In this lesson we will explore the different file formats used in Flash.
    
    File Formats Used in Flash
    
    05:02
- Learn how Flash can export files and save projects in various file formats.
  
  File Formats and Icons
  - In this lesson we will explore the file formats that Flash can output and the icons associated with each file type.
    
    Introduction to File Formats and Icons
    
    02:14
  - The native file format for Flash is the .fla binary file. Flash CS5 can also output an uncompressed file format, which produces an XML file that describes the .fla contents, a series of folders that include the Flash file's assets (.jpg, .png, .gif, etc.) and data files containing basic information about the .fla and metadata.
    
    Saving .fla Files
    
    01:41
  - .xfl is an uncompressed file format that contains XML versions of the same data as the .fla file and can be easily opened and edited by programmers and others involved in your workflow. In this lesson you'll learn how to save your Flash file as an .xfl file and how to identify the directories and files that will be created as a result.
    
    Saving .xfl Files
    
    07:08
  - Flash can output static images based on frames in the Flash movie. This lesson describes how to export a Flash file to a graphics file, including .jpg, .png and .gif.
    
    How to Save Graphics File Formats
    
    10:42
- Discover the first steps to creating a Flash project.
  
  Planning Your Project
  - Prior to beginning any Flash project, it is imperative to gather and understand the projects requirements. This lesson introduces this first phase of Flash development.
    
    Setting Project Requirements
    
    02:54
  - This lesson includes two case studies that describe how to establish project requirements using research acquired in the early stages of project development.
    
    Case Study: Client Goals
    
    04:20
- Learn how to launch Flash CS5 and become familiar with the Flash interface.
  
  Introducing the Flash Interface
  - Before learning any new software, it is important to be able to identify the components of the interface. Anything you learn after that will depend on your ability to recognize the various parts of the software by their proper name. This lesson will introduce the Flash CS5 interface.
    
    Identifying the Elements of the Flash Interface
    
    10:54
  - This lesson describes the Flash Welcome Screen and explains how it can be used to quickly open and create new files. It also explores other features of the Welcome Screen, including the Adobe Exchange, online tutorials and resources.
    
    Welcome Screen
    
    09:43
  - This lesson describes the various menus in the Flash main menu bar.
    
    Main Menu Bar
    
    06:48
  - As a Flash developer, you will spend a lot of time using the tools on the toolbar. This lesson explores the various ways to locate and select tools on the toolbar.
    
    The Toolbar
    
    07:17
  - Whether you are building a portion of your website or the entire website in Flash, you will need to understand the role of the Stage. This lesson describes the Stage as well as the surrounding area known as the Work Area.
    
    The Stage and the Work Area
    
    05:21
  - Working in Flash involves using many if not all of the panels found in the Window menu. Panels help you view, organize and change the elements in your movie. This lesson provides you with all the information you need to work with Flash's panels.
    
    The Panels
    
    10:59
  - Workspaces determine what parts of the interface, such as panels or toolbars, that we see. This lesson will show you how to create your own workspace.
    
    Creating Workspaces
    
    06:04
The Tools panel is key to working with Flash. Learn more about what the most important tools can do and how to use them.

The Tools Panel
- Learn how to use the Selection tool to select object, parts of objects, shapes and lines. This is the most frequently used tool in Flash.
  
  Selection Tool
  
  23:02
- Use the Subselection tool if you need more control over lines, shapes, fills or other complex vector objects.
  
  Subselection Tool
  
  04:59
- One of the most useful tools for editing objects in Flash is the Free Transform tool. The Gradient tool, also featured in this video, is used for manipulating gradients.
  
  Free Transform Tool, Gradient Tool
  
  11:14
- The 3D Rotation and 3D Translation tools let you add 3D effects to your objects. Watch how easy it is!
  
  3D Rotation Tool, 3D Translation Tool
  
  06:59
- Use the Lasso tool's Standard and Polygon modes to freely select objects.
  
  Lasso Tool
  
  07:40
- The Pen tool in Flash, which is similar to the Pen tool in Illustrator and Photoshop, is the most sophisticated drawing tool for creating vector shapes. Learn more in this video!
  
  Pen Tool, Anchor Point Tools
  
  12:15
- A picture is worth a thousand words. Still, it's worthwhile knowing how to use the Text tool. Here's how!
  
  Text Tool
  
  19:20
- Use the Line tool to easily draw simple, straight lines.
  
  Line Tool
  
  04:13
- Flash offers five shape tools: Rectangle, Oval, Rectangle Primitive, Oval Primitive and PolyStar. Watch this video to learn how to use them most effectively.
  
  Shape Tools
  
  09:49
- With a little help from Flash and a little practice, the Pencil tool lets you draw like an artist.
  
  Pencil Tool
  
  02:04
- Paint like a master with the Brush and Spray Brush tools. They both give you a great deal of creative control over artwork in Flash. Learn how!
  
  Brush Tool, Spray Brush Tool
  
  13:07
- See how you can use the Deco tool to create custom background patterns and radial art.
  
  Deco Tool
  
  16:56
- Welcome to the world of inverse kinematics! Now you can link movie clips using the new Bone tool to create complex and realistic animations with a minimum of design effort.
  
  Bone Tool, Bind Tool
  
  23:20
- This video introduces the Paint Bucket tool, which allows you to fill shapes with color, and the Ink Bottle tool, which adds strokes to shapes.
  
  Paint Bucket Tool, Ink Bottle Tool
  
  03:31
- If you ever needed to sample a color because you didn’t know the hex or RGB values, this is your tool. This tool samples color from images or any other object in Flash.
  
  Eye Dropper Tool
  
  04:50
- No more worrying about coloring outside the lines! The Eraser tool has many options to help you clean up your drawing. Watch how!
  
  Eraser Tool
  
  03:23
- The Hand tool lets you navigate the Stage. Learn how this can be very "handy"!
  
  Hand Tool
  
  01:31
- The Zoom tool is used to change the magnification level. Zoom in up to 2000% to work on a particular area or zoom out for a full view of your document, including the pasteboard.
  
  Zoom Tool
  
  01:41
This chapter explains the differences between vector and bitmap art and how to manipulate these two types of artwork using a variety of Flash tools.

Working with Artwork
- This section explains the differences between vector and bitmap art and introduces you to tools you can use to manipulate your vector artwork in Flash.
  
  Creating Vector Artwork in Flash
  - Flash CS5 creates vector art and supports the use of bitmap art. This lesson explains the difference between vector and bitmap art.
    
    Vector vs. Bitmap
    
    12:22
  - Flash CS5 includes a rich set of drawing tools that function in two different modes. This lesson introduces you to Flash's Merge Drawing Mode.
    
    Understanding Flash Merge Drawing Mode
    
    11:27
  - Flash CS5 includes a rich set of drawing tools that function in two different modes. This lesson introduces you to Flash's Object Drawing Mode.
    
    Understanding Flash Object Drawing Mode
    
    05:30
  - In this lesson you will learn about various drawing tools and techniques designed for use in Flash's Merge Drawing Mode to create finished artwork.
    
    Drawing Art with Merge Drawing Mode
    
    07:34
  - Learn how to create vector art using various Flash drawing tools and techniques.
    
    Creating Vector Art with the Flash Drawing Tools
    
    23:36
  - Using the Deco tool is an efficient way to create design patterns. You can create custom patterns by using unique symbols with the Deco tool.
    
    Creating Patterns from Symbols
    
    09:46
  - Flash provides advanced drawing tools that can help make quick work of complicated designs. This lesson examines advanced drawing tools and techniques.
    
    Using Advanced Drawing Tools
    
    10:08
  - This lesson explores the many drawing effects provided by the Deco tool, including the building brush, flower brush and tree brush.
    
    Using the Deco Tool
    
    04:09
- This section explains how to import and edit your artwork.
  
  Importing Artwork
  - Although Flash creates vector art, it supports importing of bitmap art. This lesson describes how to import graphics file formats and photographic images.
    
    Importing and Modifying Graphics and Images
    
    19:52
  - In addition to importing bitmap graphics and images, Flash also supports importing of vector art. This lesson explores some of the types of vector art that Flash can import to the Stage.
    
    Importing Vector Art
    
    05:51
- In this section you will learn how to modify vector art and how to use rulers and guides to assist you in the layout of your document.
  
  Modifying Artwork
  - Flash includes a complete set of selection tools that let you select the components for your vector art. Learn how to select and modify vector art.
    
    Modifying Vector Art
    
    04:31
  - Creating professional looking websites involves a working knowledge of basic graphic design principles, including color, contrast, proximity, balance and alignment. In this lesson you will learn how to deploy some of these concepts, including proximity, balance and alignment by using rulers and ruler guides.
    
    Using Rulers and Guides
    
    16:30
The Library panel and its associated symbols are a unique feature of Flash Professional and you will most certainly need an understanding of the concepts behind this important feature of Flash. In this chapter you will not only learn these concepts, but you will apply them in practical exercises.

Working with Symbols and the Library
- The Library panel is the location where Flash stores your project assets, including imported bitmap and vector art, sound files, video files, graphic symbols, buttons and movie clips. In this lesson you will learn how to use, organize and view the Library panel.
  
  Managing Library Content
  
  14:54
- Symbols are the building blocks of Flash files. Symbols are unique to Flash and are essential for creating optimized SWF files with reusable components. This lesson introduces the concepts behind the use of symbols.
  
  Understanding Symbols
  
  08:16
- The graphic symbol is a helpful tool in the creation of artwork that is easy to modify, maintain and reuse for different purposes. The section describes the use case for graphic symbols and how to use them effectively.
  
  Understanding Graphic Symbols
  - This lesson explains the step-by-step instructions for creating graphic symbols.
    
    Creating a Graphic Symbol
    
    13:32
  - Once a graphic symbol is created and used, the real power comes from the ability to edit the symbol in order to make quick global changes throughout your entire Flash file. This lesson describes how to edit symbols as well as symbol instances.
    
    Editing and Using Graphic Symbols
    
    13:53
- By far, the most robust and functional symbol you can create with Flash is the movie clip symbol. This lesson describes the movie clip symbol in detail and its unique properties.
  
  Understanding Movie Clip Symbols
  - This lesson identifies various methods for creating movie clip symbols, providing step-by-step instructions for each technique.
    
    Creating Movie Clip Symbols
    
    10:07
  - The payoff for creating symbols usually occurs when changes need to be made that affect all of a symbol's instances on the Stage. In this lesson you will edit a movie clip symbol directly from the Stage as well as on the Library panel.
    
    Editing Movie Clip Symbols
    
    11:18
- There is often a lot of confusion regarding the difference between graphic symbols and movie clip symbols. This lesson explores the differences between the two symbol types and explains the advantages and disadvantages of each symbol type as well as the most practical uses for them.
  
  Movie Clip Symbols vs. Graphic Symbols
  
  11:24
- Buttons are one of the main features of interactive websites. In this lesson you will learn all about button symbols and their inherent behavior. You will identify the differences between a button symbol timeline and the timelines of graphic and movie clip symbols.
  
  Understanding Button Symbols
  - Creating a button symbols is radically different from creating graphic and movie clip symbols. This lesson provides step-by-step instructions on how to create button symbols and how and why they differ from the other symbol types in Flash.
    
    Creating a Button Symbol
    
    15:06
  - Editing button symbols affords the developer the same advantages as editing graphic and movie clip symbols. In this lesson you will edit a button symbol and examine the consequences.
    
    Editing Button Symbols
    
    08:19
  - Flash provides the opportunity to create invisible buttons. This lesson discusses when to use invisible buttons as well as the step-by-step instructions on how to create them.
    
    Creating Invisible Buttons
    
    10:29
More often than not, a completed Flash project involves the use of graphical assets created in other software or acquired from hardware such as flatbed scanners, digital cameras and movie cameras. This lesson explains how to import these assets into your Flash project.

Importing Artwork
- In this lesson you will learn how to import files that have been saved in the Joint Photographic Experts Group format known as JPG.
  
  Importing JPG files
  
  08:14
- This lesson shows you how to import files that have been saved in the Graphics Interchange Format known as GIF
  
  Importing GIF files
  
  05:34
- In this lesson you will learn how to import files that have been saved in the Portable Network Graphics format known as PNG
  
  Importing PNG Files
  
  01:18
- Adobe Photoshop is an extremely popular and mature software program used by graphics professionals. Flash allows you to continue to work on your artwork in this powerful image editing program and then import the native Photoshop document (.psd) into your Flash project. This lesson explores the process of importing .psd files into Flash.
  
  Importing Artwork from Photoshop
  
  13:59
- Although Flash includes a variety of vector drawing tools, many designers prefer to use Adobe Illustrator to create their artwork. Flash lets you continue to work on your artwork in this powerful vector drawing program and then import the native Illustrator document (.ai) into your Flash project. This lesson explores the process of importing .ai files into Flash.
  
  Importing Artwork from Illustrator
  
  04:50
Flash CS5 and the latest text rendering engine in Flash Player 10 are providing graphic designers with more control over their typography than ever before. Flash typographers will now find text properties previously available only in desktop publishing software.

Working with Text
- Flash CS5 introduces the new Text Layout Framework, which, along with the new text engine in Flash Player 10 and AIR 1.5, delivers multilingual text, including support for bidirectional text, vertical text and over 30 writing systems as well as superior print-quality typography. This lesson covers Flash CS4 classic text and the Text Layout Format (TLF).
  
  Understanding Flash Text
  - Flash offers three different types of text fields: static, input and dynamic. This lesson introduces you to these text field types, explains when to use them and discusses the properties associates with each type.
    
    Understanding Text Field Types
    
    06:52
  - The focus of this lesson is on the new Text Layout Format, which includes many new properties to aid the developer in creating high quality typography with new features such as linked text boxes. New typographic properties are explored, such as enhanced kerning, control over digit case and widths, the use of ligatures and discretionary hyphens.
    
    Understanding Text Layout Format
    
    19:38
- In this section you will learn how to create text fields and use advanced text formatting features.
  
  Working with Text
  - In this chapter you will learn how to create text fields. The methods you will learn include building both fixed and variable width text boxes.
    
    Creating Text Fields
    
    25:13
  - Advanced text formatting includes taking advantage of typographic features often found in text editors and desktop publishing software. In this lesson you will format classic text fields.
    
    Advanced Text Formatting
    
    06:15
  - This lesson discusses font rendering in Flash, which is how text appears in a SWF file.
    
    Using Text Rendering Methods
    
    11:45
- In this section you will learn how to add filters to text as well as how to use external text files to create fast loading SWF files.
  
  Advanced Text Techniques
  - Another way to enhance the look and feel of Flash type is to apply filters. Flash offers several filter types, such as glows, blurs, drop shadows and more. These filters can be customized, used alone or in combination to create unique and stunning text effects.
    
    Adding Filters to Text
    
    12:04
  - Flash provides many techniques that help the developer create small, fast loading SWF files. On such technique is to load the text for your Flash file from an external .txt file. This lesson puts this technique into practice and also discusses other uses for this approach.
    
    Using External Text Files
    
    15:28
- Flash animation is not limited to graphics, images and vector art. This section provides various examples of animated text and details some of the steps necessary to animate text blocks and characters.
  
  Animating Text
  - The 3D Rotation tool provides many opportunities to alter and animate the display of text to attract the user's attention. This exercise animates text by changing its perspective over time.
    
    Animating Text Perspective
    
    09:35
  - This exercise demonstrates a simple animation applied to individual text characters.
    
    Animating Text Characters
    
    04:42
  - When simple text animations are combined with object-based motion tweens, the results can look anything but simple. This exercise combines two simple animations for a complex result.
    
    Animating Text with a Motion Tween
    
    10:10
  - In this lesson you will combine animated text with a mask effect that slowly reveals text to simulate writing with a pencil.
    
    Animating Text with a Mask
    
    19:00
One of the main uses of Flash is to create animations. To create effective artwork and animation that is easy to maintain and manage, you must understand the fundamental aspects of both layers and the Timeline. The focus of this chapter is to help you to become familiar with the Timeline panel and to examine best practices for working with layers.

Working with the Layers and the Timeline
- This section introduces layers and using layers to organize your artwork.
  
  Understanding Layers
  - Whether you are building static art or a sophisticated web banner with complex animation, working with layers is critical. In this lesson you will learn all of the skills necessary to work with layers.
    
    Working with Layers
    
    11:55
  - Never underestimate the power of a well-organized Flash file. Design and maintenance time can easy triple or quadruple if your files are not organized. This lesson explores how to organize your Flash file by specifically using layers.
    
    Organizing Artwork with Layers
    
    14:12
- Almost everything you do in Flash, from ActionScript to motion tweening, is affected by frame rate. This lesson explores basic skills and key details associated with the frame rate.
  
  Understanding Frame Rate
  
  05:34
- All motion, regardless of the technique used to create it, involves the Timeline. This lesson explores how you can create and edit animation more effectively by having a better understanding of the Timeline and the various icons and symbols it uses.
  
  Understanding the Timeline
  - The frame icons used in the Timeline vary depending on whether the frame is related to a classic tween or an object-based tween. This lesson explores the features of the Timeline when using a classic tween.
    
    Understanding the Timeline Icons in a Classic Tween
    
    07:32
  - The frame icons used in the Timeline vary depending on whether the frame is related to a classic tween or an object-based tween. This lesson explores the features of the Timeline when using an object-based tween.
    
    Understanding Timeline Icons in an Object-Based Tween
    
    04:52
  - Drawing computer-generated art can be challenging under certain conditions. Flash provides several tools that can help mimic a real world drawing environment, such as tracing paper and outlines. This lesson will show you how to activate and use some of these features.
    
    Aligning Objects with Onion Skinning and the Grid
    
    06:18
  - Frame labels are used by the designer to refer to a location or a point in time during an animation. This lesson will show you how to label frames and why this might be useful.
    
    Using Frame Labels
    
    08:12
  - At some time or another, most animation sequences will need editing. For example, you might want to make your animation shorter or longer, remove an animation completely, or clear the Stage of artwork at a particular point in time. All of this can be accomplished on the Timeline. In this lesson you will learn how to remove, clear, cut, paste and copy frames on the Timeline.
    
    Editing Frames on the Timeline
    
    09:11
Shape tweens, which are sometimes considered the opposite of a motion tween, morph one shape into another. This chapter explains how to create, use and edit shape tweens.

Working with Shape Tweens
- In this lesson you will create a simple shape tween.
  
  Creating a Simple Shape Tween
  
  11:00
- In its default state, a text field object cannot be shape tweened. In this lesson you will learn the steps necessary to make it possible to shape tween text.
  
  Shape Tweening Text
  
  05:26
- This lesson will show you how to edit an existing shape tween using shape hints that can control the path the initial shape takes before turning into its final shape at the end of the tween.
  
  Advanced Shape Tweening
  
  04:42
The motion tween is the basis for most animation. In addition to animating the x and y properties, which affect the motion or position of an object, motion tweens are used to animate size, color, alpha, x and y scale and other features.

Working with Motion Tweens
- This section introduces the object-based motion tween and explores various presets and properties that affect object-based motion tweens.
  
  Introduction to Motion Tweens
  - In this lesson you will learn how to create an object-based motion tween to affect the properties of objects and symbols on the Stage.
    
    Creating An Object-Based Motion Tween
    
    06:53
  - When using a motion tween to animate the position of an object on the Stage, you may also want to control the path the object takes while it is in motion. In this lesson you will alter the path of an object-based motion tween.
    
    Altering the Path of a Motion Tween
    
    06:46
  - In this lesson you will use advanced techniques to alter the path of a motion tween.
    
    Altering the Curve of a Motion Path
    
    03:29
  - The Motion Editor offers a unique view of a motion tween. This lesson will show you how to use the Motion Editor panel and its associated graphs to alter the properties affected by a motion tween.
    
    Using the Motion Editor
    
    07:26
  - By default, the properties of a motion tween change at a steady rate of speed from the initial keyframe to the end. The Ease property lets the developer increase and decrease the rate of speed of an animation using both preset and custom easing functions.
    
    Setting the Ease Property of an Animation
    
    04:54
  - Motion presets are predefined motion tweens for common effects, such as bouncing objects, flying objects in and out of the Stage, zooming and other effects. This chapter explores these predefined tweens and how to apply them to the artwork in your Flash project.
    
    Working with Motion Presets
    
    05:50
- Classic tween is the name for the original Flash motion tween. This chapter explores the classic tween in detail.
  
  Understanding Classic Tweens
  - In this lesson you will learn the steps involved in creating a classic tween.
    
    Creating a Simple Classic Tween
    
    04:11
  - In this lesson you will control the path an object takes during a classic motion tween by using a special layer known as a "Motion Guide" layer.
    
    Using a Motion Guide with a Classic Tween
    
    05:03
  - Often, a completed classic tween needs to be modified. This lesson examines how to modify the properties of a classic tween.
    
    Modifying Classic Tween Properties
    
    02:47
- Introduced in Flash CS4, the object-based tween is considered easier and more intuitive to create. This lesson explores this modern tween technique.
  
  Understanding Object-Based Tweens
  - Since the Timeline takes on a completely different look when displaying an object-based tween versus a classic tween, this lesson will show you an existing object-based tween so that you can examine the Timeline in detail.
    
    Viewing an Object-Based Tween
    
    05:06
  - In this lesson you will create an object-based tween that is used with symbols as well as objects on the Stage.
    
    Creating an Object-Based Tween
    
    05:38
- This section discusses the Bone tool and how to use it to move connected objects.
  
  Using Inverse Kinematics
  - Linking movie clips to simulate real world motion for multiple connected objects has never been easier. In this lesson you will learn how to use the Bone tool to connect movie clips that represent connected moving parts.
    
    Using the Bone Tool
    
    04:27
The interactivity in Flash-based websites typically involves the object-oriented programming language called ActionScript 3.0. Thanks to Code Snippets, writing simple action scripts has never been easier. For those who wish to increase their understanding of this powerful language, this lesson introduces the basics for writing ActionScript code.

Introduction to ActionScript
- ActionScript 3.0 is an ECMAScript compliant object-oriented programming language. What does that mean for Flash developers? This lesson explores the basic concepts behind object-oriented programming and why it is so powerful when combined with the Flash CS5 Professional Integrated Development environment.
  
  Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with ActionScript
  
  07:30
- In this lesson you will take a look at some common ActionScript code used to control the playback of the SWF file.
  
  Viewing ActionScript that Controls the Timeline
  
  04:42
- In this lesson you will view the ActionScript code that makes it possible for the end user to interact with the SWF.
  
  Viewing ActionScript that Enables Interactivity
  
  09:09
- This lesson will show you where to write ActionScript code in a Flash file.
  
  Where to Write ActionScript
  
  07:54
- Like any programming language, you must become familiar with the various components of the language. In this lesson you will explore functions, variables, objects, properties and methods.
  
  What does ActionScript Consist of?
  
  08:35
- ActionScript is commonly used to control playback of the SWF file. In this chapter you will learn how to use ActionScript to control the Timeline.
  
  Controlling the Timeline with ActionScript
  - Before you or any programmer can build code into your Flash project, the file must be organized and prepared for ActionScript. In this lesson you will learn the best way to prepare a Flash file for ActionScript
    
    Preparing a File for ActionScript
    
    10:55
  - By default, Flash files are movies that play to the end, loop back to the beginning and then play again. In this lesson you will learn how to prevent Flash files from looping.
    
    Stopping Timelines from Playing and Looping
    
    10:38
  - This lesson will show you how to add interactivity to the various objects on the stage. You will learn what allows an object to "listen" for interactivity and respond appropriately.
    
    Controlling Button Actions by Adding Event Listeners
    
    13:28
  - Writing ActionScript code can often be a case of "trial and error". In this lesson you will learn how to test code using trace statements as well as how to write notes within your code to yourself or other developers on your team.
    
    Using Trace Statements and Comments
    
    10:04
- In this section you will learn basic ActionScript programming code.
  
  ActionScript Programming Basics
  - Flash interactivity often depends on the ability of the Flash file to store information. For example, a shopping cart application needs to be able to store the products purchased, the purchasers tax rate and their location in order to calculate shipping charges. This lesson shows you how to store information in the form of variables.
    
    Creating Variables and Setting Data Types
    
    10:49
  - From the developer's perspective, interactive Flash files will always involve interactions that may have a variety of outcomes. For example, when creating a user log-in screen, you can validate or invalidate a user. In this lesson you will learn how to respond to a variety of conditions.
    
    Understanding Conditional Statements
    
    10:56
  - In this lesson you will explore how to write and reuse a series of ActionScript statements known as functions.
    
    Using Variables and Functions
    
    06:47
- Due to high demand from web designers, Flash CS5 introduces snippets of reusable code that performs many of the common tasks required in a websites, such as making buttons interactive, adding hypertext links, loading text and much more. In this lesson you will learn how to use the new CS5 Code Snippets panel.
  
  Understanding Flash Code Snippets
  - This lesson shows you how to apply code snippets to your project.
    
    Using Code Snippets
    
    08:18
  - In this lesson you will edit ActionScript code that was created from the Code Snippets panel.
    
    Editing Code Snippets
    
    08:15
- ScriptAssist is a feature that lets you insert predefined blocks of code into your ActionScript, so you can create interactive Flash content without worrying about syntax. You can use ScriptAssist to add an action, define it with arguments, then save it and test it.
  
  Using ScriptAssist
  
  11:31
One of the biggest advantages to delivering multimedia via the Flash Player is its ability to playback, edit and control audio files. This chapter covers the fundamentals of using sound in Flash.

Working with Sound
- This lesson will serve as your primer on sound in Flash.
  
  Introduction to Using Sound in Flash
  
  04:43
- In this lesson you will learn the steps involved in importing sound into your Flash projects.
  
  Importing Sound into Flash
  
  02:08
- Like images, sound must be optimized to ensure that you are still creating the smallest possible SWF file while providing the best quality at the same time. This lesson shows you how to optimize and test your sound files.
  
  Optimizing Sound Files
  
  07:28
- In this lesson you will learn the nuts and bolts of working with sound in Flash.
  
  Working with Sound
  - There are several ways to play sound in Flash. This lesson introduces the advantages and disadvantages as well as the steps required to stream sounds in the main Timeline of your Flash file.
    
    Streaming Sounds
    
    04:13
  - This lesson will show you how to stream sounds in movie clips.
    
    Streaming Sounds in a Movie Clip
    
    03:03
  - While not referred to as full-blown sound editing software, Flash CS5 lets the developer edit certain properties in their sound files. In this lesson you will learn how to trim, fade and move sounds from one speaker to the other.
    
    Editing Sounds in Flash
    
    05:51
  - This lesson shows you how to use event sounds by adding a sound effect to an interactive button.
    
    Using Sound in Button Symbols
    
    06:20
The Flash Player has proven to be one of the most effective ways to deploy video on a website. In this chapter you will learn the fundamentals of video deployment using Flash.

Working with Video
- This lesson will serve as your video primer. You will explore the video formats supported by Flash as well as how to create video specifically for the Flash Player.
  
  Introduction to Flash Video
  
  04:37
- In this lesson you will learn all of the steps necessary to use video in Flash CS5.
  
  Using Video in Flash
  - Like images and sound, video files must be imported into Flash. In this lesson you will learn how to respond to the various dialog boxes presented to you while importing video into Flash.
    
    Importing Video
    
    08:40
  - Embedding video directly into your Flash file allows you to create some very interesting content. This lesson discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using this technique.
    
    Embedding Video
    
    06:44
- This lesson introduces the Adobe Media Encoder, which is a separate software product used for coding and decoding various file formats like QuickTime and .avi files into the file format required by Flash. In this lesson you will learn how to convert a native video format into the Flash Video format (.flv).
  
  Using the Adobe Media Encoder
  
  07:15
This chapter focuses on how to test a Flash project and how to prepare HTML and Flash files for publishing. You will also learn how to run a spellcheck and set up your document for accessibility.

Testing and Publishing
- Here you will learn about SWF file publishing settings and spellchecking.
  
  Preparing a File for Publishing
  - All of your .fla files will eventually need to be published to .swf files. Here you will learn about all of the options relative to publishing SWF files and how to set them up appropriately.
    
    Setting SWF Publish Settings
    
    08:55
  - Flash not only allows you to check the spelling of text displayed in your finished SWF, but you can also spell-check frame labels, scene and symbol names, and other internally named objects. This lesson will cover all you need to know to spell-check your entire Flash document.
    
    Spell Checking
    
    05:36
- Learn about accessibility and its importance in Flash documents.
  
  Accessibility
  - This lesson provides a quick primer on accessibility, including why it's important, who it effects, and how. You will learn how to make your Flash document accessible to assistive devices.
    
    Setting Document Accessibility Options
    
    03:16
  - To ensure a smoother experience for you end user, the accessibility options should be set for individual objects in most files. In this lesson you will examine why and how to do it.
    
    Setting Accessibility Options for Individual Objects
    
    06:39
  - Accessibility does not mean that every object on the Stage must have a name and description. This lesson will show you how and when to hide objects from screen readers.
    
    Hiding Objects from Screen Readers
    
    01:34
  - Learn how to test your Flash project and how to prepare your HTML and Flash file for publishing.
    
    Additional Steps To Ensure Accessibility
    
    14:20
- Some of the Flash files you build will be placed in a preexisting web page. Others may also need a web page in which to embed the Flash. In this lesson you will learn how to have Flash create the SWF file and the HTML file that hosts the SWF file. The lesson also covers HTML publishing settings and how to set them appropriately.
  
  Setting HTML Publish Settings
  
  05:59
- In this lesson you will learn how to test your file in Flash and how to create a web page with the SWF for more complete testing in a web browser.
  
  Testing in and from Flash
  
  06:04
- This lesson will show you the steps required to publish a SWF file with a web page.
  
  Publishing Your SWF for Deployment
  
  01:34