Using Flash for the first time – Part 1: Building a banner
Jen deHaan
Adobe
flashthusiast.com
Table of Contents
Adobe® Flash® can seem like a complex program to learn. One reason for this seeming complexity is that you can use it for so many different things, such as cartoon animations, media players, and sophisticated software. This tutorial is suitable for you if you're opening Flash for the first time. It shows you some of the fundamental aspects of the program and how to get started using them to build a real project. You don't need to know anything about Flash or animation to complete this tutorial; in fact, you'll discover how easy it is to start using Flash to add elements to your web pages.
This is Part 1 of a three-part article on how to build a simple animated banner in Flash and add it to a web page using Adobe Dreamweaver®. You'll learn how to create a file and modify its settings, import and add graphics to the Stage from the library, and create layers in Part 1. In Parts 2 and 3 you'll add an animation and create a button that opens a browser window. Then you'll specify publish settings and add the banner to a web page.
Note: This article uses Flash CS3 Professional. If you still use Flash 8, please read the previous version of this article. If you’re still using Flash MX 2004, you can read this even earlier version of the article.
Requirements
To follow along with this article, you will need the following software:
Flash CS3 Professional
Sample files:
Prerequisite knowledge:
None whatsoever
About the author
Jen deHaan was raised by wolves in the deep woods of the Canadian north. Later in life, Jen worked with Flash as a deseloper, then wrote about Flash for five versions, and then worked on stuff that didn't include much Flash. She came to her senses in 2007 by rejoining the fabled Flash team at Adobe as a QE, focusing on the good stuff—Motion (on timelines). Jen enjoys long walks in the rain pondering how many times she can use the word Flash in a bio, and admits that after numerous years in California she is no longer addicted to Tim Horton's coffee.
