Datasheet

Creating Your First Flash Document
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The timeline
Above your stage sits the timeline, where you bring your artwork to life
through animation. The timeline is broken out into layers; new documents
automatically contain one new layer labeled Layer 1. Each layer on the time-
line is composed of frames that span horizontally from left to right, each one
representing a point in time, just like frames in a movie reel (see Figure 1-2).
The Property inspector
Sitting at the bottom of your workspace, the Property inspector allows you
to get (and set) attributes (such as height and width) for a selected item on
the stage or work area. When nothing is selected, the Property inspector,
shown in Figure 1-3, shows your document properties.
You can modify your document Property at any time from the Property
inspector when no items on the stage are selected or by choosing Modify➪
Document.
Panels (right side)
The many panels included in Flash give you total control over most aspects
of your movie, from creating and managing colors to exploring the structure
of your project.
The default workspace launches with three panels: the Color, Swatches, and
Library panels.
You’ll want to get familiar with panel behaviors and features so that you can
manage their appearance and make organizing your workspace a snap.
Figure 1-2:
The timeline
is com-
posed of
frames,
each one
represent-
ing a point
in time
moving left
to right.
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