Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The timeline holds frames. When content is added to stackable layers in the
timeline, objects appear on the stage (the live area), and keyframes are filled
on the timeline. Keyframes are where change occurs on the timeline. To add
an object or script to a frame, a keyframe must be inserted. Objects are
changed from keyframe to keyframe, either manually (frame by frame), or
automatically using tweening . By using tweening, you designate the start and
the finish keyframes of an animation, position or size changes for example, and
then Flash makes all the changes in-between automatically.
Layers are like transparent sheets of acetate stacked on top of each other.
Layers help you organize the artwork in your document. You can draw and edit
objects on one layer without affecting objects on another layer. Where there is
nothing on a layer, you can see through it to the layers below. When creating
a text animation, you need to use layers efficiently. Each part of the animation
should be placed on its own separate layer. This allows for editable content that
is easier to manage. For example, you might place a word on each layer for the
text animation. Then position the words in sequence so that they are shown over
time. By using separate layers for each word, you can control each word as an
individual element in the motion (Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Tutorial).
As you draw, paint, or otherwise modify a layer or folder, you select the layer
to make it active. A pencil icon next to a layer or folder name indicates that the
layer or folder is active. Only one layer can be active at a time (although more
than one layer can be selected at a time).
When you create a new Flash document, it contains one layer. You can add
more layers to organize the artwork, animation, and other elements in your
document. The number of layers you can create is limited only by your
computer's memory, and layers do not increase the file size of your published
SWF file. You can hide, lock, or rearrange layers. You can also organize and
manage layers by creating layer folders and placing layers in them. You can
expand or collapse layers in the timeline without affecting what you see on the
stage. It's a good idea to use separate layers or folders for sound files, actions,
frame labels, and frame comments. This helps you find these items quickly when
you need to edit them. In addition, you can use special guide layers to make
drawing and editing easier, and mask layers to help you create sophisticated
effects (Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Tutorial).
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