Flash CS3 Professional Training Course

Using projects that build on the knowledge learned in each lesson, students will learn the key elements of the Flash interface, including panels, timelines, and frames. From there, students will learn how to work with vector and bitmap graphics; create and edit symbols; modify text and add interactivity with ActionScript 3.0; and incorporate animation, music, and sound to their projects.

They'll also learn how to prepare and export their finished projects for Web and broadcast. Students will also learn how to take advantage of the new features of Flash CS3--the streamlined user interface, native support for Photoshop and Illustrator files, revamped drawing tools, new video encoding features, code editing enhancements, and much more.

This course is for beginners: designers and developers new to Flash who want to learn the interface and commonly used features.

Getting Acquainted

• Starting Flash and opening a file
• Getting to know the work area
• Working with the Library panel
• Using the Property inspector
• Using the Tools panel
• Undoing steps in Flash
• Previewing your movie
• Publishing your movie
• Using Flash Help

Working with Graphics

• Creating rectangles
• Using a gradient fill
• Making selections
• Drawing ovals
• Creating a simple animation
• Working with lines
• Manipulating objects
• Masking objects
• Testing a movie

Creating and Editing Symbols

• Importing Illustrator files
• About symbols
• Converting objects to symbols
• Importing bitmap images
• Adding bitmaps to a movie clip symbol
• Working with buttons
• Adding transparency

Working with Text

• Organizing layers in a Timeline
• Placing assets on layers
• Using tweens to animate objects
• Creating text
• Animating text with masks
• Using tweens to simulate a shaking motion

Adding Animation

• About animation
• Setting up the project file
• Animating a movie clip symbol
• Working with nested symbols
• Using a mask to animate a symbol
• Moving objects across the Stage
• Adding sound
• Adding a stop action
• Animating titles
• Morphing objects
• Fading objects in
• Animating motion on a path

Creating Interactive Files

• About interactive files
• Designing a layout
• Creating buttons
• Activating the buttons

ActionScript Basics

• Working with ActionScript 3.0
• Working With Conditional Statements
• Adding a stop action
• Using variables
• Downloading data from a URL
• Working with events
• Using events to script buttons

Using Components

• About components
• Adding a text component
• Using components to create interactivity

Working with Sound and Video

• Prepare the project file
• Creating sound buttons
• Creating movie thumbnail buttons
• Extending the Timeline
• Preparing Flash video content
• Working with video that includes alpha channels

Loading and Optimizing Flash Content

• Assembling the preloader elements
• Loading the movie
• Animating the preloader
• Changing the visibility of movie clips
• Caching bitmaps

Publishing Flash Documents

• Testing a Flash document
• Adding metadata
• Publishing a movie for the web
• Alternative publishing options