A summary of the first 4 chapters in the online Flash Course and its parts.
An overview of what the course contains, a preview of the final product we are working towards is shown. I learnt the shortcut to preview what you have set up in flash. ( Ctrl+Enter)
The basics of what Flash and it's most important components are is covered. The idea of file formatting and ActionScript is introduced.
Talking and learning about SWF files, we find out the different formats and target audiences a certain technology or file format may go towards. I learned that the shortcut I learnt in the previous chapter actually just formats my flash document to a SWF file, and previews what it would look like once uploaded.
ActionScript is introduced and talked about. I learnt that anything from pressing a button to adding numbers in Flash requires ActionScript.
Navigating and customizing the main interface as well as document creation are talked about.
Different versions of document exporting are talked about, and how they can target different devices and versions of a program. I learnt you can actually target older computers by choosing an older preset to work with.
The "Stage" is introduced. I learnt that when exporting your file to a SWF, the only things that are visible is whatever is on the main canvas, a.k.a the stage.
Changing the properties of the stage as well as basic editing of shapes is shown. I learnt that you can make the stage any size, color, or even put a custom image as a background.
FILLER
Both objects drawn in merge and object drawing mode are introduced, as well as their differences and how to edit them. I learnt that to select a shape and it's stroke, you have to double click it. Otherwise, you will only select the fill.
Creating and transforming gradients are taught. I learnt how to use the gradient transform tool to make the center and location of a gradient change.