Web Animation - Week 3

Multi Layer effects;

1. The top layer will hold the lead image. Make your motion tween.
2. Copy the frames and paste them onto as many additional layers as you wish to use.
3. Then offset the starting keyframe of the additional layers so that they trail the top layer as desired.
4. Also, use scale, rotate, and alpha to modify the effects as desired.
5. RM Click and Save Target for source FLA file.

Glow text

1. Create your text on the top layer.
2. Insert keyframes for the duration that the text needs to be displayed. You do not need to use any tweening.
3. Duplicate these frames and paste them onto a new layer.
4. On this new layer, set up a motion tween. Then click on the last frame and using scale (Modify|Transform), make the text larger that the first layer. Then, adjust the alpha setting (at the last frame) to 0%. The text will now pulsate light.
5. For a variation, use this effect in a movie clip and it will play over and over again automatically. Not just for text!
6. RM Click and Save Target for source FLA file.

Use Modify|Trace Bitmap

1. It converts GIF and JPG images into more Illustrator-like images.
2. Place your image on the stage and add a keyframe at frame 30.
3. Use Modify>Bitmap>Trace Bitmap to make the conversion.
   • The smaller the number in Color Threshold, the more realistic the image will be. 35 is a good number to start with.
   • Curve fit controls how smooth the outlines are draw
   • Corner Threshold controls if sharp edges are retained.
   One advantage of using this tool is that you can use all the Flash drawing tools to manipulate the image; change colors, edit, reshape, etc.
4. Use the Lasso Tool with the Magic Wand Options to select areas in your Trace Bitmap Image and replace colors by clicking on the paint bucket color selector.
5. Try placing the original image on one layer and the converted image on another and do a gradual fade between them.
6. RM Click and Save Target for source FLA file.

Movie Clips

1. If you have repetitive sequences in your movie, then using a movie clip can save you a lot of time. To create one, just go to Insert|New Symbol and choose movie clip.
2. This is like a movie inside your movie.Create your clip on the blank time line.
3. When you are done, then click back on Scene 1, and your movie clip will be in the library. Create a layer for it and drag it to the stage.
4. RM Click and Save Target for source FLA file.

Motion Guide

1. Create a shape on the stage
2. Make a motion tween but don’t set the final position yet
3. Click on the Add Guide Layer button to the right of the Add Layer icon
4. Use the pencil tool to draw the path your shape will follow.
5. Make sure your shape snaps to the starting part of the line.
6. Choose the shape layer.
7. Move the shape to the end of the pencil line
8. Play your movie. The shape will follow the line.
9. When you use Ctrl+Enter to preview the movie, the line disappears.
10. RM Click and Save Target for source FLA file.

Mask Layers

1. Place your image on the stage
2. Add a new layer over the first one.
3. Draw your shape that will reveal the image below it.
4. Set up any motion tweens on either layer
5. Right Mouse Click on the top layer and choose Mask
6. Note to see the mask the layer must be locked.
7. To modify the mask unlock it.
8. For variation use shape tween on the mask.
9. Or make the revealed layer do things like twist, etc.
10. RM Click and Save Target for source FLA file.

Embedding Fonts

1. You will find that if you use a special font that it will not show up on other machines when you play your Flash Movie.  This is because your specia font will not be installed on that machine.
2. Use Modify>Break Apart/Modify>Break Apart (twice) so that your text will be converted to shapes rather than letters. This is the same as rasterizing text in Photoshop.
3. Your user will not need ot have your font installed but after doing this you will not be able to edit the text.