Flash 8 Templates Help

Templates are a fast and easy way to create stunning graphics, animations, movies, websites and more. Macromedia Flash is currently part of the Adobe Creative Suite, which produces versions 9 and up. Flash 8 templates are designed for use with Macromedia Flash 8 and are interactive with other Macromedia design software, such as Freehand, Director, Authorware and Studio MX, as well as select Adobe software.

Template Designs

Most templates have areas that can be customized to your specific project. However, with Macromedia Flash, a working knowledge of Unicode and ActionScript is needed to alter templates. Originally used by developers, Flash 8 served as the visual component of early Dreamweaver HTML coding programs. It was used to create banners, ads, buttons, and other interactive content. Templates lay the groundwork for the desired action.

Updates and Fixes

In April 2008, Microsoft updated its Internet Explorer browser, which fixed many Flash-based activation behavior problems Macromedia users were experiencing -- especially with its templates. The "Click to Activate" button was specifically affected starting April 2006 until the update, which removed it and returned behaviors built into Flash sites to their normal functions.
Because Macromedia is geared more toward the developer, its templates build in some behaviors that are standards. How these behaviors work with different browsers varies, so it is best to check each browser separately and alter the template as needed.
Go to either Macromedia.com or Adobe.com/macromedia to download updates and fixes that may affect your templates.

Tutorials

The best way to get help with your template is to contact the developer of the template and submit support tickets. However, many template sites only offer limited support, especially when it comes to fixing code of any kind.
If you cannot get the help you need from your template site, many tutorial sites exist for Flash users of all skill levels. Lynda.com offers video lessons from beginner to expert. It is a subscription site, but it allows you to choose the exact lesson(s) you need.
Adobe.com also offers tutorials on using Flash programs as well as how to integrate other Macromedia programs, and BigBangTemplates.com offers templates with instructions for download.

References

• Tutorialized.com: Macromedia Flash Tutorials
• Adobe
• Lynda.com

Resources

• Adobe Developer Resources
• Software Informer
• Design Talkboard