Intro to Macromedia MX 2004 Flash

One of the most popular animation applications is Macromedia Flash. Flash animations are now found on almost all major websites. Utube videos use flash. In this activity you will briefly explore this application by creating your own animation.

1. Find two web sites that make use of flash. Write down the URL of the site and briefly describe how flash is used. Does the use of flash enhance or hinder the effectiveness of the site? (no you cannot use this class site as one of the sites!)

Complete Flash Lesson 1 and 2 in Macromedia MX 2004 text.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Flash (From Studio MX 2004 Book)

1. Describe the two different graphic formats that Flash supports and explain the difference between these two types of graphics.
2. What are the big advantages of vector graphics when working with web applications?
3. What is a projector file and what is the extension of such a file?

Lesson 2. Exploring the Macromedia Flash Workspace (From Studio MX 2004 Book)

1. What do you call the area where you build your animation?
2. What is the function of the timeline?
3. What are the advantages of using layers?
4. When you start step 2.5 create a new layer for each rectangle and name the layer the color of the rectangle. Be sure each rectangle is created on its own layer.

Stop - have your instructor demonstrate how to add movement at this point.

5. Once you have completed step 2.6 further modify your file by adding movement. Have each rectangle slowly move off the stage by frame 30. See what happens when they move over each other in this process.
6. Save your file as Lesson1_Part2 and modify your animation. Demonstrate your modified animation for teacher check and present your questions as well.

This is what your swf file should look like. Notice that since the objects are beyond the stage they seem to disappear.

Move on to the Bouncing Ball Exercise