How to Create a Macromedia Flash File

Macromedia Flash, now Adobe Flash since Adobe purchased Macromedia in 2005, is a programmable animation and graphics program. You can create vector images and animations for websites with an interface similar to other Adobe products such as Illustrator, Photoshop and Fireworks. A Flash file name ends with the extension .FLA but for use on the web, it needs to be "published" and converted within the Flash program to a .SWF movie file so web browsers can play it.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Flash software

Instructions

Create Vector Graphics

1. Launch the Flash application.

2. 

   Click "Flash Document" on the main screen under the Create column.

3. 

   Look over the Flash work area and note the locations of the various tool and command palettes. Place your mouse over different parts of the workspace to activate pop up help labels.

4. Click tools in the tool box on the left side of the screen to create images. Vector images are created using points and paths. Drawing graphics in Flash is a lot like working in Adobe Illustrator.

Add Animation

1. Add a colored shape to the screen such as a circle.

2. Click and drag to place it in the starting position for your animation.

3. Click in the box below the 10 on the timeline at the top of the screen. Then click the Insert menu and select "Timeline, Keyframe."

4. Click and drag the circle to the position you want it to have at that point in the animation.

5. Add a keyframe a little further along on the time line, around 15 or so.

6. 

   Click and drag the circle to the position you want it to have at that point in the animation. Repeat step 5 for as many different frames as your animation needs.

7. Press the "Return/Enter" key to see your animation in action.

8. 

   Click the "File" menu and choose the "Save" command to save your Flash file. This creates a .FLA file. Use the "File" menu "Publish" command to convert it to a .SWF file when you are ready to add it to your website.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose "Publish Preview Flash" under the "File" menu to see how your animation will look on the web. Adobe Flash is a complex program with many uses. Purchasing a good guide book to the program will help you learn all the commands and how flash files can enhance your website.

References

• Flash Learning Guides
• Adobe Acquires Macromedia in 2005

Resources

• Adobe Flash Home Page
• Basics of Flash Animation
• Flash Tutorials