Web designers and developers once faced several hurdles getting video onto the web: data-intensive video files that downloaded slowly over low-bandwidth connections and special players that users had to install to watch video in pop-up windows. Most people now access the web using high-bandwidth connections, and web designers and developers are standardizing on the F4V/FLV format. Video plays directly in the page through Adobe Flash Player without requiring additional plug-ins.

Adobe Flash Professional CS5 lets you easily put video on a web page in a format that almost anyone can view. This guide provides an introduction to web video, including information on how to create and publish video on the web. Explore the sections below to dive into whatever topic interests you.

Note: This learning guide introduces core concepts of video on the web and provides you with tools for developing your skills. The Video section of the Using Flash Professional online documentation is the source of many of these materials. Always consult the Flash Professional online help first when learning to use new features in Flash. Also consult Adobe Premiere Pro Help and Support and Adobe After Effects Help and Support for links to tutorials and support issues.

Where to go from here

To learn more about working with video on the web, check out the following resources:

Flash 411: Getting your video questions answered: A series of informative videos focused on delivering video on the web, for both beginners and seasoned video professionals or experienced ActionScript developers.
Lurker's Guide to Video: "A repository for the little-known, undocumented knowledge that you need in order to write any sort of useful video software."

Note: If you have not upgraded yet to the latest version of Flash, you can check out the Flash CS3 version of this article.

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