Using ActionScript and Creating Templates

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Copyright 2003, Paradigm Publishing Inc.

Using ActionScript and Creating Templates

Macromedia FlashMacromedia FlashDesign & ApplicationDesign & Application

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Define the terms object-oriented programming, object, method, action, event, and parameters.

List general guidelines for creating ActionScript in movies.

Switch between Normal mode and Expert mode in the Actions panel and describe the difference between the two modes.

Add actions to keyframes, buttons, and movie clips.

Use the goto and stop actions to control movie playback.

Add labels and comments to frames. Create a preloader animation. Perform a conditional test on a movie property.

Performance ObjectivesPerformance Objectives

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Create buttons to toggle the playback of a stream soundtrack on and off.

Use the with action to target start and stop actions at a movie clip instance.

Use the getURL action to open a Web page during a movie.

Use the fscommand action to control a projector window.

Create and use a Flash template. Use the Movie Explorer. List Web resources for learning more about Flash. COMMANDS REVIEW

Performance ObjectivesPerformance Objectives

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Understanding ActionScript Understanding ActionScript Concepts and TermsConcepts and Terms

ActionScript is a scripting language scripts are a series of commands that

provide instruction to the computer commands are generally carried out in

sequence generally easy to understand

Learning ActionScript involves: learning the keywords using proper syntax

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Object-Oriented ProgrammingObject-Oriented Programming

ActionScript is an object-oriented scripting language similar to JavaScript

Classes are defined with a set of properties and methods defines the object's characteristics and

behavior instances of a class are referred to as

objects Existing code can be reused

more efficient and easier to maintain

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Actions, Events, and Actions, Events, and ParametersParameters

Actions statements that instruct Flash on what to do

with a target object listed in the toolbox in the Actions panel

Events an event can be a mouse movement, a key

pressed on the keyboard, or the loading of a movie clip

the event triggers the action actions applied to a button or movie clip

instance execute when an event occurs Parameters

also called arguments provide the variable information for the

action statement

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General Guidelines for General Guidelines for Writing ActionScriptWriting ActionScript

Before starting to write ActionScript code you should have: a clear definition of the goal of the movie a flow chart diagramming the movie's actions a plan as to which objects will require ActionScript

statements Use comments to document what is

happening at key points Focus on one section at a time until it is

working correctly then save as a separate version as a backup

Object and variable names should be descriptive labels easily identify the element

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The Actions Panel inThe Actions Panel inNormal ModeNormal Mode

WWindow, indow, AActions or F9ctions or F9

Flash assists you with the programming. The proper syntax for each statement is inserted.

Step 1Double-click

action in toolbox.

Step 2Add parameters ifthe action has any.

Flash buildsthe code for you.

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The Actions Panel inThe Actions Panel inExpert ModeExpert Mode

The parameters area is replaced with a larger ActionScript area.

Step 1Double-click

action intoolbox.

Step 2Key parameters

usingproper syntax.

Flash does not build thestatement for you. Use

code hints to viewavailable parametersfor the current action.

Check Syntax Show Code Hint

Code Hint

Switching from Expert mode to Normal code causes Flash to check the syntax.

show next code hint

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Controlling Movie PlaybackControlling Movie Playback

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GotoGoto Moves the playhead to a different frame in the

Timeline Destination parameter can be specified using

a frame number or a frame label using frame labels is preferable since the label stays

with the frame when editing Includes two choices when it reaches the

destination Go to and Play Go to and Stop

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OnOn

Dimmed unless a button instance is active

Creates the event handler that specifies to which mouse event you want the action to respond multiple events can be selected

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Play, Stop, and StopAllSoundsPlay, Stop, and StopAllSounds

Play uses no parameters instructs Flash to begin playing the movie

at the point in the Timeline at which the action is executed

Stop uses no parameters instructs Flash to stop playing the movie

StopAllSounds stops all sounds that are currently playing stream sounds will resume playing when

the playhead reaches the frame in which it has been associated

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Assigning Labels to a Assigning Labels to a KeyframeKeyframe

-to reference the destination by name instead of number

-if frames are added, moved, or removed, no change is required to

the ActionScript.

key a name

frame label displaysnext to a red flag

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Assigning Comments to a Assigning Comments to a KeyframeKeyframe

-helps you to remember what is happening in segments of the

Timeline-editing is made easier

precede commenttext with two

forward slashes usually enteredin a

separate layer

two green slashesdisplay in front

of comment text

Comments can also be added in ActionScript code.

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Creating a Preloader Creating a Preloader AnimationAnimation

A simple animation at the beginning of a movie that loops until the download is completed

Key concepts: small animation at the beginning that

contains simple text such as a Loading message

ActionScript is added at the end to create a loop

ActionScript is added at the first frame that performs a conditional test

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Performing a Conditional Performing a Conditional TestTest

Use the if action Can have two possible outcomes

true false

A false action is not required since Flash will simply skip the actions in the curly braces and move to the next line of code if the conditional test proves false

if (conditional test) {action to be performed if test is true

}

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Adding an Else StatementAdding an Else Statement

Use to specify a false action Add immediately after the if action

if (frames loaded = all frames) {gotoAndPlay(main movie);

} else {gotoAndPlay(preloader animation);

}

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Nesting If StatementsNesting If Statements

To perform a test that has more than two possible outcomes

Add an else if action after the initial if block

if (frames loaded = all frames) {gotoAndPlay(main movie);

} else if (frames loaded > 10) {gotoAndPlay(preloader animation B);

} else {gotoAndPlay(preloader animation A);

}

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Testing for Status of Frames Testing for Status of Frames LoadedLoaded

Each movie Timeline has a set of properties identified with an underscore character in front of the property name that can be checked or modified _framesloaded property returns the number

of frames that have been downloaded _totalframes property returns a value

representing the total number of frames within a movie

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Testing for Status of Frames Testing for Status of Frames Loaded…/2Loaded…/2

Properties are identified with an underscore character at the beginning

Two equals symbols (equality operator) tells Flash to check if the value for the property on the left equals the value for the property on the right

(_framesloaded == _totalframes)

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Adding Actions for a Adding Actions for a Preloader AnimationPreloader Animation

cut, paste, and clearframes as necessary

insert a new layer

use the drawing toolsto create the preloader

in frame 1

insert a keyframeand delete the

drawn preloader

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Adding Actions for a Adding Actions for a Preloader Animation…/2Preloader Animation…/2

This action will createa loop in whichframes 1-11 will

continually replay.

insert a new layerinsert a keyframe

double-click goto

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This action will movethe playhead to

frame 12 when allof the frames havebeen downloaded.

click if in frame 1of the Actions layer

double-clickproperties

to add to text box-key spaces and

equals signs

double-clickgoto

key frame number

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This action causesFlash to stop playing

the main movieTimeline.

click frame 12 inthe Actions layer

double-click

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Using Buttons to Toggle the Using Buttons to Toggle the Playing of a Soundtrack On and OffPlaying of a Soundtrack On and Off A streamed soundtrack in a movie clip

symbol can be the target action for start and stop sound buttons provides the user with the ability to turn

sound on or off during the movie playback

Requires ActionScript using the with statement

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With StatementWith Statement

targets a named instance of a movie clip

stop playing the soundupon pressing and releasingthe mouse over the button

start playing the soundupon pressing and releasingthe mouse over the button

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Using the getURL Action to Open Using the getURL Action to Open a Web Page During a Moviea Web Page During a Movie

The URL parameter can be an absolute or relative address for a Web page or document

Window parameters: _self: opens within the current window

replacing the movie from which it originated _blank: opens in a new browser window _parent: opens in the browser in the parent of

the current frame _top: opens in the top-level frame of the

current browser window

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Using the getURL Action to Open Using the getURL Action to Open a Web Page During a Movie…/2a Web Page During a Movie…/2

-publish the movie as HTML and as a projector file

FFile, Publish Settinile, Publish Settinggs or Ctrl + Shift + F12s or Ctrl + Shift + F12

click

click

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Using the fscommand to Using the fscommand to Control the Player WindowControl the Player Window

Used to control the environment in the window hosting the movie

Commands for standalone player include fullscreen, allowscale, showmenu, trapallkeys, exec, and quit

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Creating a TemplateCreating a Template

-saves time and ensures consistency-include standard elements such as a company logo, colors, and publishing

options

FFile, Save As ile, Save As TTemplateemplatekey a namechoose or add

a categorykey a brief description

of the standardizedelements

preview appears

click Save

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Using a TemplateUsing a Template

FFile, Nile, Neew From Templatew From Templateclick category name

click template name

description isdisplayed

click Create

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Using the Movie Explorer Using the Movie Explorer PanelPanel

-a tool with which you can locate or view objects in a movie in a hierarchical display

WWindow, indow, MMovie Explorer or Alt + F3ovie Explorer or Alt + F3Show Text

Show Buttons, MovieClips and Graphics

Show Action ScriptsShow Video, Sounds

and BitmapsShow Frames and Layers

Customize whichItems to Show

Expand to viewActionScriptstatements

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Finding Information About Finding Information About Flash on the WebFlash on the Web

Go to the Source Macromedia maintains tech notes and tutorials on

the Flash support center that provide articles on Flash features including step-by-step instructions

www.macromedia.com/support/flash Flashkit.com Flash Developer Resource Site

a Web site for developers that includes several resources including forums and free downloads to assist with building Flash movies

www.flashkit.com Flash Magazine

a Web site maintained by volunteer Flash developers from around the world with articles and tutorials on using Flash

www.flashmagazine.com

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Commands ReviewCommands Review

How do you display the Actions panel?

WWindow, indow, AActions or F9ctions or F9

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How do you display the Movie Explorer panel?

WWindow, indow, MMovie Explorer or Alt + F3ovie Explorer or Alt + F3

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How do you create a new document based on a template?

FFile, Nile, Neew From Templatew From Template

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How do you display the Publish Settings dialog box?

FFile, Publish Settinile, Publish Settinggs or Ctrl + Shift + F12s or Ctrl + Shift + F12

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How do you save a document as a template?

FFile, Save As ile, Save As TTemplateemplate

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Documents

Using ActionScript and Creating Templates