Flash 5 Visual Jumpstart

• Master menus and settings
• Create and use symbols, text and layers
• Work with imported graphics
• Add animation and sound
• Export and publish movies

If you want to create impressive Web pages with striking graphics and animations, and stunning sound effects and musical tracks, you want Flash. And if you want to learn about this best-selling software, you need Flash 5 Visual JumpStart. --The visual format is perfect for those just starting out, and the informal style and task-oriented approach will get you up to speed quickly with this amazing program. --See Flash's true visual impact with the full-color insert.

Contents

Chapter 1: Understanding the Flash Interface
Launching Flash
Recognizing the Stage and Its Content
Creating a Layer
Understanding the Timeline
Working with Frames
Placing an Object on the Stage
Using Keyframes
Moving the Object
Creating a Symbol
Creating an Instance
Viewing the Library
Becoming Familiar with Flash's Tools
The Toolbar
The Toolbox
Working with the Tool Options and Panels
What's Next?

Chapter 2: Mastering Menus and Settings
Understanding Menu Options
Using File Menu Commands
Using Editing Menu Commands
Managing Symbols from the Menu
Modifying Movie Properties
Accessing Tool Options from the Menu
Controlling Your Movie
Customizing Flash
Managing the Interface
Controlling the Tools
Setting Drawing Preferences
Dealing with Objects on the Clipboard
Using Panels
Saving Panel Layouts
What's Next?

Chapter 3: Drawing and Painting in Flash
Drawing with the Line Tools
Setting Up the Drawing
Drawing a House
Modifying Lines
Combining Tools to Enhance your Drawing
Understanding Object Interaction
Grouping Objects
Creating a Lawnmower
Using the Painting Tools
Filling in Areas of the House
Painting Gradient Fills
Redefining the Lines of the House with the Ink Bottle
Using the Lasso to Create a Driveway

Chapter 4: Creating and Using Symbols
Developing a Plan for Your Movie
Creating a Scenario
Planning Functions for Menu Design
Working with Symbols
Using Graphic Symbols
Creating and Using Buttons
Editing the Menu Symbols
Recognizing Instances
Modifying an Instance of a Symbol

Chapter 5: Utilizing Text
Mastering Text Basics
Selecting Fonts
Changing Text Size
Rotating Text
Changing Text Block Attributes
Creating Text Effects
Creating a Drop Shadow
Creating Graphics from Text
Making Text Conform to a Shape
Learning about Text Fields

Chapter 6: Using Layers
Creating and Organizing Layers
Creating a Background Layer
Adding New Layers
Rearranging and Deleting Layers
Creating Objects for the Layers
Completing the Tree
Constructing a Greeting on the Text Layer
Adding Objects on the Decorations Layer
Creating Lights for the Lights Layer

Chapter 7: Learning about Timelines
Understanding Timeline Events
Layers of Space and Units of Time
Integrating the Timeline with Layers
Grasping Frames
Using Keyframes to Identify Events
Organizing the Action
Managing Symbols with the Library
Creating Time Sequences in Layers

Chapter 8: Working with Imported Graphics
Understanding Bitmap and Vector Graphics Files
Using Bitmap Files
Working with Vector Files
Comparing Bitmap and Vector Graphics
Exporting Images
Importing Graphics Files
Importing Bitmaps for Your Movie
Importing the Space Capsule
Populating the Lights Layer
Adding the Passenger Bitmap Files

Chapter 9: Adding Animation and Sound
Animating the Space Capsule Scene
Adding Animation to the Timelines
Adding Sound Effects to the Movie
Adding the Rocket Ship Scene
Creating the Sky, Rocket, and Smoke Layers
Adding the Title Layers
Adding the Blastoff Sound

Chapter 10: Exporting and Publishing Your Movies
Exporting Your Work
Exporting Images
Exporting Movies
Publishing Your Movie
Publishing Settings
Presenting Your Movie on the Web
Incorporating the Published Files into your Web Pages
Enhancing Your Movie's Performance