1. Importing and Modifying Graphics
Chapter 7
Importing and Modifying Graphics

2. Chapter 7 Lessons Understand and import graphics
Break apart bitmaps and use bitmap fills
Trace bitmap graphics

3. Import and Modify Graphics
Introduction
Importing vector graphics from an application, such as Adobe Fireworks or Adobe Illustrator, is easy—the vector graphics are treated almost as if you created them in Adobe Flash
Importing bitmap graphics is easy too, but working with them can be more difficult
Using bitmap graphics can increase your file size dramatically

4. Import and Modify Graphics
The Import dialog box for an Illustrator file

5. Import and Modify Graphics
Introduction
It is most efficient to you use vector graphics or to create graphics directly in Flash
Once either graphic file type is in your library, you can place them on the Stage, where you can trace them, break them apart, use them to fill an object, optimize them, and animate them

6. Import and Modify Graphics
Flash is a vector-based application, thus all graphics and motion within the application are calculated according to mathematical formulas.
This vector-based format results in a smaller file size, as well as a robust ability to resize movies without notable loss in quality.

7. Understand and Import Graphics
A bitmap graphic is also called a raster graphic, which is based on pixels, not on mathematical formulas.
In many cases, when you import both bitmap and vector graphics, you are able to retain features, such as layers, transparency, and animation.

8. Understand and Import Graphics
The best way to bring a graphic into your movie is to import it by selecting the Import option on the File menu.
Choose the Import to Stage command to have the graphic placed on the Stage and in the Library.

9. Understand and Import Graphics
If the original graphic has layers, Flash can create new layers associated with that graphic in your document.
Flash automatically places the additional layers on the Timeline or inside a movie clip symbol, when applicable.

10. Understand and Import Graphics
You can display only files of one file type, such as PNG files, by selecting that file type in the file types list
File type list (All file types listed)
List arrow for file types, name on button changes to reflect last file type selected (All Files currently selected as the file type)
Import to Library dialog box

11. Understand and Import Graphics
If you are importing a large number of graphics, you can import a group of graphics (of the same file type and from a single folder), all of which will automatically use the same settings.
You can also copy and paste graphics from an application, such as a graphics-editing program, directly into a Flash movie.

12. Understand and Import Graphics
If you copy and paste using other applications, the graphic may become a flattened bitmap, which means the advantages of using vector graphics are lost.
You can import Fireworks PNG files as flattened bitmap graphics.

13. Understand and Import Graphics
You can create artwork in Adobe Illustrator to import to flash.
Graphics created in Illustrator are comprised of paths.
Paths are segments, such as lines, of a graphic that can be individually edited.

14. Understand and Import Graphics
Graphics that you create in Illustrator are AI files.
Illustrator AI files are vector-based.
AI files preserve most of their attributes including filters and blends.
In the Import dialog box you can choose to convert Illustrator graphic layers to Flash layers.

15. Understand and Import Graphics
The Import dialog box for an Illustrator file

16. Understand and Import Graphics
Flash also allows you to import Photoshop files into a Flash document.
Graphics created in Photoshop allow you to produce more creative and complex images.
The Photoshop tools allow you to create high-quality artwork before you import the graphic into Flash.

17. Understand and Import Graphics
Graphics created in Photoshop are PSD files.
You can choose to have Photoshop layers imported as Flash layers.
This allows you to edit individual parts of an image, once the graphic is in your Flash document.

18. Understand and Import Graphics
Background.psd consists of two layers; Sun and Background
Sun layer is selected;
it is converted to a
movie clip so its
features will be editable
Once imported, each layer in background.psd will exist on its own layer in Flash
Import dialog box for Photoshop “background.psd” file

19. Understand and Import Graphics
Flash allows you to use and modify imported bitmaps in a variety of ways.
You can control the size, compression, and anti-aliasing of imported bitmap.
Anti-aliasing is the process of smoothing the edges of a graphic so they appear less jagged.

20. Understand and Import Graphics
Once you import a bitmap, it becomes a graphic object in the library and can be edited.
When an instance of a bitmap symbol is on the Stage, you can use the Properties panel to:
Numerically change the dimensions of the graphic
Swap the bitmap for another bitmap within the library
Edit the bitmap in another application

21. Understand and Import Graphics
Compressed size of the graphic
Item Preview window
Original size of graphic; changing the size of the object on the Stage does not affect the original bitmap symbol

22. Understand and Import Graphics
Copyright laws apply to digital images.
These laws are intended to protect the intellectual property rights of the creator of the work and are meant to ensure compensation for the creativity and work involved by the artist.
Unless you produce a graphic yourself, assume it is protected under these laws.

23. Break Apart Bitmaps and Use Bitmap Fills
Bitmap graphics, unlike vector graphics, are made up of a group of pixels.
You can break apart a bitmap graphic and edit individual pixels.
The Lasso tool allows you to select irregularly shaped parts of a graphic.

24. Break Apart Bitmaps and Use Bitmap Fills
You can use the Magic Wand tool to select areas of similar color in a bitmap graphic you have broken apart.
Flash allows you to apply a bitmap fill to any drawn shape or text that has been broken apart.
A bitmap fill is created by breaking apart a bitmap graphic using it to fill another graphic.

25. Break Apart Bitmaps and Use Bitmap Fills
Bitmap fill applied with the Brush tool
Bitmap fill in a circle applied with the Paint Bucket tool
Bitmap fill in text applied with the Paint Bucket tool
Different bitmap fill effects

26. Break Apart Bitmaps and Use Bitmap Fills
You can apply a bitmap fill to any drawn shape.
Flash will tile the bitmap to fill the shape if necessary.
You can use the Gradient Transform tool to change the size, shape, rotation, and skew of your fill, which allows you to position the original graphic in the exact place you want it.

27. Break Apart Bitmaps and Use Bitmap Fills
You can also apply a bitmap as a fill by using the Brush tool.
If the bitmap graphic you want to use for a fill is not on the Stage, you can use the Color panel to select it.

28. Break Apart Bitmaps and Use Bitmap Fills
Bitmap fill selected as the Type
Bitmap fill selected
Bitmaps available in the library
Bitmap fill selected in Color panel

29. Trace Bitmap Graphics Tracing is an outstanding feature if:
You are illustration-challenged
You need to convert a bitmap graphic into a vector graphic for animation purposes
When you apply the trace function, you change a bitmap graphic into vector paths and fills with varying degrees of detail.
When you trace a graphic it acts as though it were drawn in Flash.

30. Before and after tracing a bitmap
Trace Bitmap Graphics
Before and after tracing a bitmap

31. Trace Bitmap Graphics
There are four options that affect how detailed the trace will appear:
Color threshold
Minimum area
Corner threshold
Curve fit

32. Three different effects with different trace settings
Trace Bitmap Graphics
Three different effects with different trace settings

33. Trace Bitmap Graphics
When you trace, paths and shapes are created, but every piece of the original graphic remains on one layer.
To animate or tween between pieces of the shape, you often have to isolate parts of the object onto their own layers.

34. Dividing a traced graphic by color
Trace Bitmap Graphics
Sections of the moon selected by color and moved
Dividing a traced graphic by color