Flash MX is a unique program which can be used to produce movies capable of being played back on web sites using the freely available Flash player. Movies may be simple animations but can also include interactivity. In fact, you can build a complete web site in Flash. Because the software uses vector images rather than bitmaps for graphics, Flash movies tend to be extremely compact in size and therefore download very quickly.

Suitable for users completely new to Flash.

Basics

• The Flash environment
• Setting movie attributes
• Previewing and testing
• Using the toolbar
• Using the timeline
• Moving the playhead
• Creating scenes
• Creating labels and comments

Animation

• Overview of techniques
• About tweened animation
• Creating symbols
• Editing symbols
• Creating motions tweens
• Creating key frames
• Extending still images
• Setting the frame rate
• Creating a movie clip
• Shape tweening

Drawing

• Drawing shapes and lines
• Tool modifiers
• Selecting shapes
• Modifying shapes
• Changing colours
• Creating gradient fills
• Changing gradient direction
• Using the ink bottle tool

Interactivity

• Working with multiple scenes
• Creating buttons
• Editing button states
• Creating rollover effects
• Setting button actions
• Setting frame actions

Output

• Available output options
• Testing download time
• Publish settings
• Creating SWF files
• Adding a Flash movie to a web page

Click here for a printable version of Flash Course Outline