Flash Adding Multimedia Content to Web Pages

What is it? A multimedia program Combines motion, graphics, sound, and interactivity in web page formats Began as FutureSplash Acquired by Macromedia in 1997 Vector-based

Vector vs. Bitmap Vector –Uses geometric equations –A circle is a circle, a square a square, etc –Higher quality than Bitmap –Best for rendering type and shapes Bitmap –Generally in 2 formats, GIF and JPEG –Series of pixels (which are square) –Best for reproducing photgraphs

Flash Files Files are called Shockwave Flash, or swf and the working document has a file extension of fla Web browser must have the plug-in installed (No big deal, it is free) it will open swf files, only Flash can open a fla file

Terminology Stage – where we assemble the parts Timeline – where we determine what happens and when Panels – holds the controls for the Stage and Timeline Menu Bar – Same as other software programs Like all proprietary software, it has its own buzz words

Creating Graphics We need to work with properties such as frame rate, dimensions, background color, and ruler units We utilize the Tools Panel for all of our drawing and manipulating objects

Tools Panel Four sections Tools – drawing and selecting View – change the magnification or position of the stage Colors – of course to specify colors in use Options – vary depending on the tool in use

Samples 275Work/http.htmhttp:// 275Work/http.htm