Product Description

Flash 5 in easy steps, is the updated edition of 'Flash in easy steps'. This easy to use reference book covers the essential new features of Flash 5 as well as the fundamental, unchanged features of this leading web development tool.

The opening chapter gives an overview of the functions of Flash 5 and its uses. It also shows how to obtain and install the program and gives details of the Flash environment when it is first opened. The author also looks at 'Life before Flash' and explains 'How Flash Works', encouraging the reader to venture into using this powerful animation program for creating high quality multimedia effects on his/her website.

Moving on to "Getting Started", the next chapter looks at the elements that make up the Flash authoring environment. This includes the means for controlling the content of a movie, the area where movies are created, the toolbars and menus that are used during the editing process.

The next chapter, "Creating Objects", introduces the reader to the basics of drawing objects in Flash. It gives an overview of the contents of the Drawing toolbar, which include: Line; Oval; Rectangle; Pencil; Brush; Ink Bottle; Paint Bucket; Dropper; Hand and Magnifier tools; Arrow and the Lasso tool.

Next, there is a dedicated chapter on "Editing Objects", which shows the reader how to apply some of the editing functions to drawing objects in Flash. It covers: selecting items; editing lines and fills; resizing and reshaping objects; Copy and Paste; aligning items; changing the stacking order; and creating cut-aways. The next chapter, "Colour and Text", guides the reader through creating, adding and selecting colour and gradients to objects. It also shows how to add, format and manipulate text. The reader is then introduced to "Symbols and Instances", which teaches the reader how to create an object once and then use it numerous times, as well as how to store these symbols in the Library.

The reader is then introduced to "Bitmaps and Sound". The reader learns how to import bitmap images, such as photographs and sound files, how to edit both of these items and how they can be used to enhance a Flash movie. Next, the author guides the reader though inserting and editing frames and layers and how they can be used to simplify the editing process of a movie.

Moving on to "Animation", this chapter looks at the animation techniques that can be used in Flash. It shows the reader frame-by-frame animation and also how to move objects using Motion Tweening and how to change one shape into another using Shape Tweening. The author also looks at animating text and creating movie clips. "Interactivity" is then examined and the author looks at ways in which interactivity can be achieved with frames and buttons.

Finally, a chapter on "Testing and Publishing" will guide the reader through the final part of producing a Flash movie. It looks at ways to test the elements of a movie, set publishing options and then publish a movie, either on the Web or as a stand-alone application.

Assuming no prior knowledge, this book is ideal for the first-time web developer, as well as experienced developers who just want to get to grips with Flash 5 - with minimum time and effort.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1221163 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

Great For Beginners
Flash in easy steps is a great book for the beginner. It takes you through step by step at a steady pace. It's easy to read and cuts out the waffle often found in many books. For the price it's a bargain. Well worth checking out.

Excellent for both beginners and experts
An excellent book that is easy to read and very thorough. Good for both beginners and experts. Walks you through the basics, and understanding of the stage area where the majority of work is performed. Goes right from the beginning, when installing the application, through to some pretty complex stuff. Written in a very easy and clear way.