Datasheet

Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Flash CS5

which are different from bitmap graphics (defined by lots of dots). However,

you can import bitmap graphics into Flash. Find out more about bitmap and

vector graphics in Chapter 2.

If you want simple animation, such as a few blinking dots or a marquee effect,

animated GIFs (the animated bitmap graphics that you often see on the Web)

might be smaller than Flash movies, so they load faster. You can create ani-

mated GIFs by using animated GIF editing software.

Some sites don’t lend themselves to animation. Animation can distract from

your content, and overdoing animation can make a serious site seem silly.

Animation is great, but it has its place. Also, although Flash has some fea-

tures that allow accessibility for people with disabilities, it still isn’t as acces-

sible as plain HTML. You need to determine whether animation is right for

your Web site.

Getting the Right Start

Well begun is half done, as the saying goes. The easiest way to begin using

Flash CS5 is with a shortcut or alias right on your desktop. Double-click the

Flash icon, and you’re on your way. (See the book’s companion Web site for

information on installing Flash.)

Starting Flash on a PC

Whether you installed Flash from the DVD or by downloading it from the

Adobe Web site onto your PC, you might or might not have a shortcut on

your desktop. To create one, choose Start➪All Programs➪Adobe Flash

Professional CS5. With your desktop visible, press the Ctrl key and drag the

Adobe Flash CS5 item onto the desktop.

To rename the shortcut, click the shortcut on your desktop. Then click the

text beneath the icon. Type Flash CS5 (or whatever you want) and press

Enter. Just double-click the icon to open Flash.

Starting Flash on a Mac

You might find it handy to add the Flash CS5 icon to your Dock for easy

launching. To do this, click the Finder icon on the extreme left of the Dock

to bring up a new Finder window. Navigate in the Finder window to the

Applications folder, and in the Applications folder, double-click the Adobe

Flash Professional CS5 folder to open it. Click and drag the Flash CS5 appli-

cation icon to the Dock. A copy of the Flash CS5 application icon appears

on the Dock.

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