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project: Symbols, Instances, and the Library
 
   
 

description: In this tutorial you will learn a little about symbols, instances and the library. A more detailed explanation will be provided in class.

Files: The motion_tween_01.fla is in the fla_files folder.

  
   
 
   
  step 1: Click on the first keyframe and look at the Properties Panel. (Figure A)
   
  A
   
  step 2: Click on the ball and look at the Properties Panel. Notice that it is identified as a Graphic Instance rather than the Symbol we named Blue Ball. (Figure B)
   
  B
   
  step 3: Here's a better screen shot of the panel. (Figure C)
   
  C
   
  •Note: Instances reside on the stage. Symbols reside in the Library.
   
  step 4: Window > Library (F11 or Command-L) and there you'll find the Symbol. (Figure D)
   
  D
   
  step 5: Click on the Symbol to see it. (Figure E)
   
  E
   
  step 6: Notice the icon that indicates a pull-down menu. Click and look at the options. (Figure F)
   
  F
   
  step 7: Roll over icons to see what they're for. (Figure G)
   
  G
   
  step 8: Clicking on the Properties icon opens the Symbol Properties dialog box. (Figure H)
   
  H
   
  •Note: When confused, click on the Help button. The help files (Help > Using Flash or F1) are very useful!
   
  step 9: Before we move on, we better cover a gotcha! every beginning Flash author stumbles upon: Where did all My Work Go?!
   
   
   
   
 
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