Flash

1
Flash

• Adding Multimedia Content to Web Pages

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What is it?

• A multimedia program
• Combines motion, graphics, sound, and
  interactivity in web page formats
• Began as FutureSplash
• Acquired by Macromedia in 1997
• Vector-based

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Vector vs. Bitmap

• Vector
• Uses geometric equations
• A circle is a circle, a square a square, etc
• Higher quality than Bitmap
• Best for rendering type and shapes
• Bitmap
• Generally in 2 formats, GIF and JPEG
• Series of pixels (which are square)
• Best for reproducing photgraphs

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Flash Files

• Files are called Shockwave Flash, or swf and the
  working document has a file extension of fla
• Web browser must have the plug-in installed (No
  big deal, it is free) it will open swf files,
  only Flash can open a fla file

5
Terminology

• Stage where we assemble the parts
• Timeline where we determine what happens and
  when
• Panels holds the controls for the Stage and
  Timeline
• Menu Bar Same as other software programs
• Like all proprietary software, it has its own
  buzz words

6
Creating Graphics

• We need to work with properties such as frame
  rate, dimensions, background color, and ruler
  units
• We utilize the Tools Panel for all of our drawing
  and manipulating objects

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Tools Panel

• Four sections
• Tools drawing and selecting
• View change the magnification or position of
  the stage
• Colors of course to specify colors in use
• Options vary depending on the tool in use

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Samples

• http//www.homepages.dsu.edu/pauliw/Cis275Work/htt
  p.htm