General - The library & instances
- Symbols are stored in the Library for future use.
- Items stored in the library may include shapes, symbols movie clips, imported picturesd and imported sounds..
- Symbols that are pulled from the library are refered to as instances.
- A symbol in the library can be pulled out numerous times to show numerous instances on the stage.
- Instances pulled from the library are much smaller than a created image on the stage.
You can either create an image and convert it to a symbol or make a symbol from scratch.
Converting a stage object into a symbol
- Create the item on the stage.
- Select it by double clicking on it or drawing around it with the marquee tool.
- Click on Insert, Convert to Symbol
- Give the symbol a descriptive name and click on the Button Behavior.
- Click okay.
- Open the library window (Window, Library). You should see your button in the list of symbols.
Creating a symbol
- Beginning with a blank stage, Click on Insert, New Symbol.Enter a name and select Button.
- Click Okay.
- The timeline will change to a button timeline which can be used to enter the three button states.
Editing a button
- If the button is on the stage, double click it. You are in button edit mode.
- If the button is in the library, select the button within the library, click on Options, the Click on Edit.
Using buttons on the stage
- Instances can be changed in many ways once they are on the stage.
- Location, Scale, Rotation, Tint, Alpha, and brightness may all be changed.
- Location is the usual thing...drag the instance where you want it.
- Scale and rotation are done the same way you do any graphic...Click on the item then use the bottom two icons in the toolbar.
- All the rest are donw in the panel window called Effect. You should try each of the effects to see what they do.
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