Working with Flash Assets > Assets and asset management > Symbols and instances |  |

Symbols and instances

Symbols are reusable elements that you use with a document. Symbols can include graphics, buttons, video clips, sound files, or fonts. When you create a symbol, the symbol is stored in the file's library. When you place a symbol on the Stage, you create an instance of that symbol.

Symbols reduce file size because, regardless of how many instances of a symbol you create, Flash stores the symbol in the file only once. It is a good idea to use symbols, animated or otherwise, for every element that appears more than once in a document. You can modify the properties of an instance without affecting the master symbol, and you can edit the master symbol to change all instances.

You can edit symbols in several ways: in place on the Stage, in a new window, or in symbol-editing mode. When you edit a symbol, the Timeline window displays only the Timeline of the symbol you are editing. For more information on editing symbols, see Editing symbols.

You can locate and open a symbol in the library from within the Movie Explorer, using the Find in Library command. See Using the Movie Explorer.

For more information on symbols and instances, see the Symbols lesson, located under Help > Lessons > Creating and Editing Symbols, and Using Symbols, Instances, and Library Assets.

Editing a symbol in its context in the document (left) and editing a symbol in isolation (right)