Adobe Flash Professional CS5 provides a number of features for producing impressive graphic effects, enhancing the look and feel of your projects. The Graphic Effects Learning Guide for Flash explores these features, from basic tasks such as using tiles and blend modes to more advanced concepts such as animating filters and applying masks using ActionScript. Check out the sections below and dive into whatever topic interests you.

Overview of graphic effects in Flash

Start things off right with this overview of the impressive graphic effects capabilities of Flash Professional.

Creating color graphic effects

Work with color in Flash Professional, including color effects using the Properties panel and ActionScript, and color correction in Flash Player.

Transforming graphics

Move, scale, skew, rotate, or otherwise alter graphics, including applying 9-slice scaling and 3D transformations.

Creating text graphic effects

Learn about the font rendering and anti-aliasing options available in Flash Professional to control the way your text appears at runtime.

Working with vector graphic effects

Use the drawing tools or the Graphics API in ActionScript to create vector artwork in your FLA file or dynamically at runtime.

Working with bitmap graphic effects

Manipulate bitmap images by transforming them or applying effects by using the Drawing API, BitmapData class, or a Pixel Bender shader function in ActionScript.

Using masks to create graphic effects

Use masks in Flash to create spotlights and transitions, or crop an image, by using the Layers panel or a display object's mask property in ActionScript.

Using filters to create graphic effects

Add interesting visual effects to text, buttons, or movie clips and then animate them with motion tweens either using the Motion Editor or using ActionScript at runtime.

Using blend modes to create graphic effects

Use a variety of highlights or shadows that let details from an underlying image show through or colorize a desaturated image.

Working with tiles and patterns

Add interest to flat graphic shapes by creating patterns or applying repeating graphic elements using the Spray Brush and Deco tools.

Using inverse kinematics

Get an overview of this method for creating graphics and animations where a groups of objects is articulated in relation to one another.

Note: This learning guide introduces graphic effects in Flash Professional CS5 and provides you with tools for developing your skills. Always consult the Flash Professional online help first when learning to use new features in Flash.

Where to go from here

If you're new to using Flash Professional CS5 and would like an overview of how it all works, check out the following resources:

If you're up to speed with Flash Professional CS5 basics but would like to know more about ActionScript 3 before you dive in, check out the following resources:

Note: If you have not upgraded yet to the latest version of Flash, you can check out the Flash 8 version or the Flash CS3 version of the Graphic Effects Learning Guide for Flash.

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