Next Steps:

Layers:

Layers are what Flash uses to build up what can appear on the stage of any scene or any movie clip, and the obvious logic of seeing what is on top applies. So, If you want something to look more 'in the foreground', put it in a layer on top of (above) the previous layer. Or, if you want something to disappear behind something else, put it in a layer below the previous one. Get it?
> Flash files can be edited to 'load' from bottom up or top down in layer order. This can be important when you want certain things coming in first

> Layers can be used as 'masks' to create the effect of a moving spotlight, for example

> Layers can be used as 'guides', holding a 'path' for an object (symbol) to move.

Vector Graphics:

Vector graphics are what Flash makes when it creates drawn objects. Whether they are shapes or freeform objects, they are made as vectors. The main thing about vector graphics is that they are very small files (in mb) and have the ability to be enlarged in visual size without losing any of their quality. So, unlike when you enlarge a small jpg, and get that pixelation effect, a vector graphic will enlarge without any loss, no pixelation at all. This makes for high quality graphic style in Flash animations.

Image 2

Image 2 above shows a nice sun and the green grassy hills we have already seen in Image 1. Here though, the hills have been recreated onto another layer above the background, and the sun. This allows the sun to appear from behind and disappear again behind the hills, as it rises and sets.

You will notice that there are lots of dots along the timeline of the sun layer. These are keyframes, holding different positions of the sun. It is these positions that are 'tweened' to create MOTION.

The sun has been converted into a 'graphic symbol'. A very important thing to remember is that you should always convert your vector graphic item into a symbol, before you keyframe and motion tween it.

To create a symbol out of an existing item (vector graphic, for example), select it with the arrow tool, and then press F8. To create a symbol from scratch, press control/F8. Refer to 'symbols' in this guide for more info.

To create a motion tween, select a keyframe with the arrow tool [left toolbar], right click, and select create motion tween.

TERMS:
EMAIL penworks@gmail.com for any information or enquiries, or recommended Flash websites.