Flash: Overview Macromedia Flash MX Instructor: Adam Cavotta

What is Flash? Flash is graphics application Animation application Video application Application development tool

Flash Media and the Flash Authoring Environment The word Flash is used to describe: – Media Output that the user sees – Authoring Environment used to create content

Streaming Media Output Flash movies can be viewed while they as they are being downloaded. – Accommodates 56 Kbps modem connections fairly well – In some case, preloaders are still used.

Graphics in Flash Flash supports Vector and Raster (Bitmap) graphics – Bitmaps are made to be displayed at fixed sizes Bitmap graphics are the graphic we see most often on the Web – Vector graphics are size independent Changes to the size and shape of a vector graphic do not affect image quality which makes them ideal for animations.

Flash Authors Who are they? – Graphic designers – Programmers – Web developers

Basic Author Roles There are two roles for Flash authors – Designer – Developer

Basic Author Roles: Designer Designer – Typically, all Flash authors are designers to a certain extent. – Designers create and arrange graphical content and create animations. – Designers are artists

Basic Author Roles: Developers Developers – Developers make Flash movies “do something” – Developers create interactive environments using ActionScript. – Developers are programmers

The importance of roles The type of content created determines which role the author will play. Learning opportunities and certifications are often categorized as being related to developer or designer roles. Before learning Flash determine your ultimate goal – What type of content do you want to create?

Types of content Animated Movies Audio and Video Web page elements Applications

Advantages of Flash File size is relatively small for type of output. Flash player is widely available. Authors create content for a player, not a browser.

Limitations of Flash Some users are resistant to Flash content Various player version sometimes add confusion about publishing and viewing files Training is required to begin creating content in Flash

Learning Opportunities ITS Training Services Free Technology Seminars Extended Format Seminars offered through HRDC Penn State’s Web-Based Training The Macromedia Web site

ITS Training Services Free Seminars Register Online – Intermediate level seminars that focus on specific tasks Animations – Content focuses on the designer role. Interactivity – Provides an introduction to the developer role.

Extended Format Seminars Fee: $85 Register Online – og.cfm \ og.cfm \ Basic and Intermediate level seminars Seminars focus primarily on designer role Additional information about seminar content:

Penn State’s Web-Based Training Free service Self paced Assessments Topics mostly relate to designer role Go to: to begin using Web-Based Traininghttps://wbt.psu.edu/

Macromedia Web Site A GREAT source of information Provides content for both designer and developer roles Provides support information Forums are a great learning opportunity The Macromedia Web site provides learning opportunities throughout the learners development process.

The Software Latest Release: Flash MX 2004 Two version in the new release – Professional version- targeted to developers, more robust – Standard version- less data connection and application development features The software is also available in the Studio MX Suite

The Software Available at Penn State’s computer store – – If you aren’t sure which software package to purchase, ask them. They are an impartial, objective source of information. – Discounts are substantial.

Thank you Questions?