How to Make a Slideshow in Flash Cs4

Building a slideshow can be intimidating for first-time users.

Adobe Flash is a powerful program with many capabilities, including a photo slideshow. The slideshow is made by sequencing individual images after each other by utilizing the timeline window, opacity settings and separate layers. While each step is a relatively simple task, the entire process can be a tedious and time-consuming project - generally around an hour for an experienced user. The benefits of a custom-made and personal project can outweigh the effort invested.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Flash

Instructions

Creating the Stage

1. Open Adobe Flash and begin a new Flash File (Action Script 3.0).

2. Adjust the pixel size of the content area to your preferred presentation size using the "Properties" window.

3. Change the background stage color to black (or your desired color) using the "Properties" window.

4. Import the images you would like to use by selecting the "Import to Library" selection under the "Import" option from the "File" tab from the top menu.

Creating One Slide

1. Create a new layer and drag an image from the "Library" window to the stage. Resize and place the image to your desired location.

2. Right-click or command-click the image and select "Create Motion Tween." If prompted, click "OK."

3. Drag the right edge of the blue bar representing the duration of the image on the stage to frame 100 to increase the duration.

4. Place the timeline cursor at frame 1, then select the image. Select "Alpha" from the "Style" drop-down menu in the "Color Settings" sub-menu from the "Properties" window.

5. Set the alpha value to 0 percent. This will make the image transparent.

6. Place the timeline cursor at frame 25, select the image and set alpha to 100 percent. This makes the image visible again and will create a one-second fade-in.

7. Place the timeline cursor at frame 75, select the image and set alpha to 100 percent.

8. Place the timeline cursor at frame 100, select the image and set alpha to 0 percent. This will create a one-second fade-out.

Sequencing Slides

1. Click and drag the entire blue bar of one image so it begins behind the blur bar of the image before it.

2. Repeat this process until all your images are in sequence. To see a preview, hit "CTRL+Enter."

3. Create a new layer to add music. Import the mp3 to the library and drag it to the stage. Make your audio file the length of your finished slideshow before importing it for best results.

Exporting Your Slideshow

1. Click "Export" from the File menu at the top.

2. Save the file to a name and location. Click "OK."

3. Open your file with an Internet browser to view the results.

References

• University of Connecticut: How to Create a Flash Slideshow
• Berkley, University of California: Flash Tutorial