Datasheet

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Chapter 1 ✦ SWiSHmax QuickStart
Hex refers to Hexadecimal, which is a color system. You learn more about this method of
naming color in Chapter 7.
In addition to selecting a color for your shapes, you can also modify the level of transparency,
referred to as an Alpha value. Learn about Alpha values in Chapter 7.
When you draw a shape on the stage, you can estimate its size and position, or you can use
the Transform tab to set a precise size and location. To precisely set the location and size,
follow these steps:
1. Click the shape on the stage to make it active.
2. Click the Transform tab to display the current size and position settings for the
shape.
3. Click the Resize checkbox to make it active in the Modes section of the panel.
4. Click a field to make it active and then type an alternate value. To re-create the size
and location of the sample project’s bkgd shape, type these values: X: 22, Y: 36, W: 290,
and H: 190.
The X and Y location references refer to the anchor point position. See Chapter 6 to learn
about anchor points and other transforming processes.
5. Click File ➪ Save to save the movie with the completed shape.
Before moving on, check the location of the Autoshape layer in the Outline panel and move
the layer, if necessary. It should be second to last in the listing (if you are creating the sample
project, only the background layer should be below it). Autoshapes can be used for a wide
range of purposes, including as a background for the text, which is explained in the next
section.
If you move anything around in a file, make sure to click Save before closing or the rear-
ranged version will be lost.
Adding text to a movie
One of the most common elements used in a movie is text. In SWiSHmax, you can animate any
basic text you add to the movie. A special command called Break Apart allows you to animate
the individual letters and apply effects, such as explosions. Follow these steps to add text to
a movie:
1. Click the Text tool in the Tools panel as shown in Figure 1-8, and then move the tool
over the movie. A cross-hair icon appears.
2. Click the stage on the Layout panel. A default block of text named Text is added to the
movie. The Text panel at the right of the program window is active.
3. In the Text panel, click the default name (Text) in the text area of the panel to select
it. Type replacement text. For the sample logo project, type Up and Away Travel. Press
Enter after Away to force the last word to its own line.
Tip
Cross-
Reference
Cross-
Reference
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