SYMBOLS AND LIBRARY ITEMS

 

Remember that Flash saves download time by downloading images one time and storing them in memory. From there, Flash can reuse the image many times without reloading it. Any reusable object is called a symbol. Youll learn to convert images into symbols. Symbols can be drawn or imported.

Heres a big rule:

If youre going to animate an object, it must be a symbol first.

Symbols are stored in the Library. Just like a real library, you can store objects (symbols) and check them out over and over again.

 

Creating Symbols

Creating a symbol is easy. First you must draw or import an object.

1. Select the object or objects.
   If you select more than one object, they will become one when you convert to symbol.
2. On your keyboard, hit the F8 key.
   
   Feel free to memorize the F8 shortcut, youll be using it a lot.
   You can also find symbol in INSERT-> CONVERT TO SYMBOL.

 

 

3. Name your symbol and click OK.
   Dont worry about the Behavior setting right now. Well get into those later.

 

Youll notice that a selected symbol looks different than a selected primitive drawn object.

 

Okay, pay attention!

 

If you want to animate an object it MUST be made into a symbol first.

It is very common for web design course beginners to miss this crucial step. Flash doesnt pop-up a window telling you that youre trying to animate a non-symbol. Your animation just wont work!

 

Practice making symbols out of drawn objects, imported objects, and text!

 

Using the Library

The Library stores all of your symbols so you can reuse them later.

1. Draw a circle and convert it into a symbol (F8). Name it "Circle".
2. Delete the circle from the screen.
3. Open the Library CTRL/CMD + L or WINDOW-> LIBRARY
4. Select "Circle"
   Notice that the Library shows you a preview of the image.

5. Drag the circle onto the screen.
   Drag it again.

Remember that all Library items are downloaded once and stored in memory. You can repeatedly use library items without slowing download time.

 

Organizing your Library

Most everything you use in your Flash movie will end up in the Library. Youll have quite a mess on your hands if you dont organize.

You can store your library items in folders.

 

Adding Folders in the Library

Adding folders to the Library is easy. Simply click the New Folder button on the Library to add a new folder

Drag items on top of a folder to place them inside.

 

Editing Library Symbols

Tips for Using the Library

�.       Dont delete anything from the Library. Some items are used to build other items. If you delete them, theyre gone for good, as well as any items theyre linked to. Every instance of the deleted item in the movie will disappear. Instead of deleting, create a folder called "unneeded" and throw any unneeded items in there. When youre ready to publish to the web, Flash will not export library items not used in your movie.

�.       After you place a symbol in the Library, feel free to use it over and over again.

 

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