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Jen deHaan

Jen deHaan

Adobe
flashthusiast.com

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Creating a New Document
  3. Changing Document Properties
  4. Importing Graphics
  5. Introducing Layers and the Timeline
  6. Creating a New Layer
  7. Importing onto a Layer
  8. Test Your Progress
Created:
4 April 2005
Modified:
12 September 2005
User Level:
Beginner
Products:
Flash

Using Flash for the First Time – Part 1: Building a Banner

Note: This tutorial was written for Flash 8. Please read the updated version to take advantage of the latest features of Flash CS3 Professional. If you are still using Flash MX 2004, check out this older version of this article.

Macromedia Flash can seem like a very complex program to learn. One reason for this seeming complexity is that you can use it for so many different things, such as cartoon animations, media players, and sophisticated software. This tutorial is suitable for you if you're opening Flash for the first time. It shows you some of the fundamental aspects of the program and how to get started using them to build a real project. You don't need to know anything about Flash or animation to complete this tutorial; in fact, you'll discover how easy it is to start using Flash to add elements to your web pages.

This is Part 1 of a three-part article on how to build a simple animated banner in Flash and add it to a web page using Macromedia Dreamweaver. You'll learn how to create a file and modify its settings, import and add graphics to the Stage from the library, and create layers in Part 1. In Parts 2 and 3 you'll add an animation and create a button that opens a browser window. Then you'll specify publish settings and add the banner to a web page.

Requirements

To complete this tutorial you will need to install the following software and files:

Macromedia Flash Basic 8

or Macromedia Flash Professional 8

Tutorials and sample files:

Prerequisite Knowledge

None whatsoever.

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About the author

Jen deHaan was raised by wolves in the deep woods of the Canadian north. Later in life, Jen worked with Flash as a deseloper, then wrote about Flash for five versions, and then worked on stuff that didn't include much Flash. She came to her senses in 2007 by rejoining the fabled Flash team at Adobe as a QE, focusing on the good stuff—Motion (on timelines). Jen enjoys long walks in the rain pondering how many times she can use the word Flash in a bio, and admits that after numerous years in California she is no longer addicted to Tim Horton's coffee.