This Flash tutorial covers creating graphics, working with layers, and adding motion, sound, and text to a Flash 8 movie. Click here to start. If you are using Flash CS4, click here for our Flash CS4 tutorial.
Getting Started
In Flash, you create your movie on the Stage. You use the Timeline to lay out the sequence of your movie. You use tools to create or modify drawings and text. This section familiarizes you with the Flash interface.
Movie Properties
You start creating your movie by setting the Frame Rate, Dimensions, Background Color, and Ruler Units. In this section section you learn how to set these properties.
The Grid
A grid of horizontal and vertical lines is often helpful when drawing. In this section you learn how to display a grid.
The Oval Tool
You use the the Oval tool to create ovals and circles. In this section you learn how to use the Oval tool.
Creating a Symbol
In Flash, a symbol is defined as a graphic, button, or movie clip. A graphic symbol is a static image. You can use a graphic symbol to create an animation. A button symbol responds when you click the mouse, roll over it, or perform some other action. You can use a button symbol to create a button. A movie clip symbol is a static image or a piece of animation. You can turn any animation you create into a movie clip. In this section you learn how to create a symbol.
Gradients
Gradients show changes or gradations in color. In this section you learn how to create and use a gradient.
The Rectangle Tool
You use the the Rectangle tool to create rectangles and squares. In this section you learn how to use the Rectangle tool.
The Pencil Tool
In Flash, you use the Pencil tool to draw freehand shapes In this section you learn how to use the Pencil tool.
Grouping
When you have multiple objects that you want to work with as if they were one object, you group them. In this section you learn how to group objects.
Layers
Think of a layer as a transparent sheet on which you paint. You can see through each layer to the layers under it until you add color. You can add layers, delete layers, and change the position of layers. In this section, you learn about layers.
Renaming a Layer
By default, Flash names your layers sequentially starting with Layer 1. You should give your layers relevant names. In this section you learn how to rename a layer.
Adding New Layers
Each layer is independent of all other layers. You can draw on each layer without affecting the other layers. In this section, you learn how to create a new layer.
Rotate and Scale
You can rotate Flash objects. In this section you learn how to rotate and scale.
Changing the Order of Layers
Objects that are on higher layers appear to be in front of objects on lower layers. You can change the order of layers. In this section you learn how to change the order of layers.
Keyframes
Each layer of a Flash movie is divided into frames. You can create motion by changing the placement of an object in successive frames. In this section you learn about frames.
Motion Tween
You can use a motion tween to create motion. With a motion tween, you tell Flash the starting position and the ending position of an object. Flash interpolates all the positions in between. In this section you learn how to create a motion tween.
Adding Sound
In the this section you learn how to add sound to a Flash movie.
Stopping the Action
In this section you learn how to add a behavior that to stops any action from occurring before the viewer clicks a button.
Adding a Button
In Flash, you can start your movie or have some other action occur when the viewer presses a button. In this section you learn how to create a button.
The Text Tool
You use the the Text tool to create text. In this section you learn how to use the Text tool.
Getting Started
In Flash, you create your movie on the Stage. You use the Timeline to lay out the sequence of your movie. You use tools to create or modify drawings and text. This section familiarizes you with the Flash interface.
Movie Properties
You start creating your movie by setting the Frame Rate, Dimensions, Background Color, and Ruler Units. In this section section you learn how to set these properties.
The Grid
A grid of horizontal and vertical lines is often helpful when drawing. In this section you learn how to display a grid.
The Oval Tool
You use the the Oval tool to create ovals and circles. In this section you learn how to use the Oval tool.
Creating a Symbol
In Flash, a symbol is defined as a graphic, button, or movie clip. A graphic symbol is a static image. You can use a graphic symbol to create an animation. A button symbol responds when you click the mouse, roll over it, or perform some other action. You can use a button symbol to create a button. A movie clip symbol is a static image or a piece of animation. You can turn any animation you create into a movie clip. In this section you learn how to create a symbol.
Gradients
Gradients show changes or gradations in color. In this section you learn how to create and use a gradient.
The Rectangle Tool
You use the the Rectangle tool to create rectangles and squares. In this section you learn how to use the Rectangle tool.
The Pencil Tool
In Flash, you use the Pencil tool to draw freehand shapes In this section you learn how to use the Pencil tool.
Grouping
When you have multiple objects that you want to work with as if they were one object, you group them. In this section you learn how to group objects.
Layers
Think of a layer as a transparent sheet on which you paint. You can see through each layer to the layers under it until you add color. You can add layers, delete layers, and change the position of layers. In this section, you learn about layers.
Renaming a Layer
By default, Flash names your layers sequentially starting with Layer 1. You should give your layers relevant names. In this section you learn how to rename a layer.
Adding New Layers
Each layer is independent of all other layers. You can draw on each layer without affecting the other layers. In this section, you learn how to create a new layer.
Rotate and Scale
You can rotate Flash objects. In this section you learn how to rotate and scale.
Changing the Order of Layers
Objects that are on higher layers appear to be in front of objects on lower layers. You can change the order of layers. In this section you learn how to change the order of layers.
Keyframes
Each layer of a Flash movie is divided into frames. You can create motion by changing the placement of an object in successive frames. In this section you learn about frames.
Motion Tween
You can use a motion tween to create motion. With a motion tween, you tell Flash the starting position and the ending position of an object. Flash interpolates all the positions in between. In this section you learn how to create a motion tween.
Adding Sound
In the this section you learn how to add sound to a Flash movie.
Stopping the Action
In this section you learn how to add a behavior that to stops any action from occurring before the viewer clicks a button.
Adding a Button
In Flash, you can start your movie or have some other action occur when the viewer presses a button. In this section you learn how to create a button.
The Text Tool
You use the the Text tool to create text. In this section you learn how to use the Text tool.
