"Flash in a flash" is a series of training videos that I designed to get you going with Adobe Flash CS3—in a flash. In this series I take you through a fun Flash project from start to publish. Learn the fundamentals of working with Flash including working with symbols, creating and controlling animations, adding audio, creating buttons, and video. Even learn some basics of working with ActionScript 3.0 to make your project come alive.

Requirements

In order to make the most of these videos, you need the following software and files:

Flash CS3 Professional

• Try
• Buy

Sample files (containing final version of the animation):

• flash_in_a_flash_source.zip (ZIP, 22 MB)

Adobe Media Player (to view videos offline)

• Download
• Get the feed for "Flash in a flash"

Note: In Adobe Media Player, click My Favorites and then Add RSS Feed to add the feed to your favorite shows for viewing these videos offline.

Episode 1: Fundamentals

In this first episode, I introduce you to the fundamentals of working with Flash. You will be introduced the basic concepts such as the Timeline, drawing tools, and symbols. Emphasis is given to understanding the different symbol types of Flash as well as understanding how to work instances of symbols.

Running time: 39:02

Episode 2: Creating animations

Learn the different types of animations that can be used in Flash projects. Begin working with the project files to create a simple animation that incorporates frame-based as well as tween animation techniques. I also introduce the virtual mascot of the series, Victor Vector, in a lesson that demonstrates the workflow between Adobe Illustrator and Flash, as well as animation fundamentals.

Running time: 30:27

Episode 3: More animation, plus sound

Here you continue with the Victor Vector project and learn how to put the various animation and graphical components together. Use movie clip filters, blends, and alpha gradients. Work with multiple animation instances across layers. Adjust start and stop speeds of animations using the ease in and ease out panel. Finally, learn how to edit audio once it is brought into the project.

Running time: 27:53

Episode 4: Introduction to Flash video

Add video to your Flash project by learning how to create cue points and closed captioning for accessibility, full-screen viewing, encoding, and editing of Flash videos. Find out how to use the Flash video component, add playback controls, alpha channels, masking, and more.

Running time: 50:07

Episode 5: Basic interactivity and ActionScript 3.0

In this episode, I show you how to create a simple UI slider component, assign actions to invisible buttons, and add basic some interactivity using ActionScript 3.0. Create a function in ActionScript that loads a video as well as one that goes to another URL.

Running time: 44:50

Episode 6: Publishing your project

Now that you have completed your project, you need to publish it. Explore the various publishing options in Flash including the latest plug-in for Adobe AIR. Go through the step-by-step of process of making your finished project available on a website or even package it as a desktop application using the AIR extension for Flash CS3 Professional.

Running time: 27:41

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