Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 2, Slide 1 by Michael Kay The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash.

Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 2, Slide 1

by Michael Kay

The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash


CHAPTER 2Creating Graphics


Chapter 2 Objectives

Set up and save a work document Become familiar with the drawing tools Select and manipulate artwork Manage the color of objects Use layers effectively Import images from other sources Create and modify text


Setting up Flash work files

Flash is similar to most other programs with New, Save, and Open commands.

While working, protect your work and save as often as possible.

Use File–>Save As to save alternate versions of your work.

Set the frame rate, dimensions, and other attributes for your movie from Modify–>Movie (Modify–>Document for Flash MX.


The Tools Panel (1)

Use the Pencil, Brush, or Pen tool for drawing. Every object you draw in Flash can have a

stroke or fill or both.

Stroke Fill


The Tools Panel (2)

Use the Pencil tool to draw linear art (strokes).

The Brush tool allows you to draw shapes (fills).

The Pen tool is a unique drawing tool. Other tools allow help you draw rectangles,

circles. Use the Ink Bottle tool to add or change a

stroke; the Paint Bucket tool to apply a fill.


Selecting and Editing Artwork

The Arrow tool is the most important selection tool. Use it to select an object and apply any effect or modification.

The Lasso and Subselection tools offer alternative modes for selecting objects or parts of objects.

Once selected, directly modify an object with the Arrow tool, or apply a panel or menu item.


Applying Color

There are several ways to change a fill or stroke color.

The tools panel displays swatches that allow you to change a color directly.

The Mixer and Swatches panels offer more advanced color control such as gradient fills.

Flash MX consolidates color selection in the Properties Inspector.


Reasons to Use Layers

To be sure one object appears in front of (or behind) another.

Distinguish between different elements on the Stage.

Prevent one object from merging with or cutting into another.

Organize elements in a movie for easier editing.

Separate actions, labels, and sounds.


Working with Other Programs

Optimize and export bitmap images in another program such as Adobe ImageReady or Macromedia Fireworks.

The GIF or JPEG formats work well with Flash. Vector artwork created in a program like

Adobe Illustrator or Macromedia Freehand can be export in the Flash SWF format. This allows easy editing within Flash once imported.


Comparing Image Formats


Using Text

Anywhere you click with the Text tool on the Stage you can add text by typing.

Flash allows you to control the font, size, spacing and many other attributes of text.

Static text appears as you type it in the final movie. Dynamic text is controlled by ActionScript.

Choose Modify>Break Apart to convert a block of text into a vector object like any other artwork you’d create in Flash.

Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 2, Slide 1 by Michael Kay The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash.

Documents

text tool

pencil tool

brush tool

pen tool

flash mx

unique drawing tool

flash work filesflash

important selection