This project-based guide from Adobe will teach readers all they need to know to create engaging interactive content with Flash CS3. Using step-by-step instructions with projects that build on the knowledge learned in each lesson, readers will learn the key elements of the Flash interface, including panels, timelines, and frames. From there, readers will learn how to work with vector and bitmap graphics; create and edit symbols; modify text and add interactivity with ActionScript 3.0; and incorporate animation, music, and sound to their projects. They'll also learn how to prepare and export their finished projects for Web and broadcast. Of course, readers will also learn how to take advantage of the new features of Flash CS3–the streamlined user interface, native support for Photoshop and Illustrator files, revamped drawing tools, new video encoding features, code editing enhancements, and much more. The companion CD provides users with all the sample files they need to complete all of the projects.

(more…)

Now that ActionScript is reengineered from top to bottom as a true object-oriented programming (OOP) language, reusable design patterns are an ideal way to solve common problems in Flash and Flex applications. If you're an experienced Flash or Flex developer ready to tackle sophisticated programming techniques with ActionScript 3.0, this hands-on introduction to design patterns is the book you need.

ActionScript 3.0 Design Patterns takes you step by step through the process, first by explaining how design patterns provide a clear road map for structuring code that actually makes OOP languages easier to learn and use. You then learn about various types of design patterns and construct small abstract examples before trying your hand at building full-fledged working applications outlined in the book. Topics in ActionScript 3.0 Design Patterns include:

• Key features of ActionScript 3.0 and why it became an OOP language
• OOP characteristics, such as classes, abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism
• The benefits of using design patterns
• Creational patterns, including Factory and Singleton patterns
• Structural patterns, including Decorator, Adapter, and Composite patterns
• Behavioral patterns, including Command, Observer, Strategy, and State patterns
• Multiple design patterns, including Model-View-Controller and Symmetric Proxy designs

During the course of the book, you'll work with examples of increasing complexity, such as an e-business application with service options that users can select, an interface for selecting a class of products and individual products in each class, an action game application, a video record and playback application, and many more. Whether you're coming to Flash and Flex from Java or C++, or have experience with ActionScript 2.0, ActionScript 3.0 Design Patterns will have you constructing truly elegant solutions for your Flash and Flex applications in no time.

(more…)

More than just a programming guide, this book takes you step by step through the process of gathering and preparing content, asking the right questions, determining the scope of the project and writing the project proposal. The authors cull from their professional experience of running their own digital media company to explain the special considerations in deploying Flash video applications, presenting ideas for solutions as well as tips for avoiding the most common pitfalls.

(more…)

If you have ever stared at a blank stage wondering how to make your ideas into reality, this is how its done. I consider each example a best practice of how to use Flash CS Professional.
Justin Everett-Church, Sr. Product Manager Flash Player, Adobe Systems

Chris Georgenes' gorgeously designed book contains many short, practical tutorials that both Flash animators and web designers will want to thumb through to learn the tricks of the trade, so they can really impress their clients."
Stefan Gruenwedel, Sr. Editor, Developer Center, Adobe Systems

This is a not-to-be-missed chance to get secrets from one of the foremost authorities on Flash animation. His techniques for animating characters are essential for anyone dreaming of creating a cartoon or animated feature.
Craig Goodman, Executive Editor, Developer Center, Adobe Systems

This is a must-have Flash book. Whether you consider yourself more a Flash designer or developer, you'll want to run home and try out the concepts and techniques in this beautifully presented book.
Tim Statler, Flash developer, Adobe Systems

A valuable resource loaded with helpful tips and hints for Flash users at all skill levels. It is filled with practical how-to examples for artists and animators, presented in a clear step-by-step manner with illustrations documenting each step along the way.
Jim Ver Hague, Professor Emeritus, Computer Graphics Design, Rochester Institute of Technology

(more…)

Now that ActionScript is reengineered from top to bottom as a true object-oriented programming (OOP) language, reusable design patterns are an ideal way to solve common problems in Flash and Flex applications. If you're an experienced Flash or Flex developer ready to tackle sophisticated programming techniques with ActionScript 3.0, this hands-on introduction to design patterns is the book you need.

ActionScript 3.0 Design Patterns takes you step by step through the process, first by explaining how design patterns provide a clear road map for structuring code that actually makes OOP languages easier to learn and use. You then learn about various types of design patterns and construct small abstract examples before trying your hand at building full-fledged working applications outlined in the book. Topics in ActionScript 3.0 Design Patterns include:

• Key features of ActionScript 3.0 and why it became an OOP language
• OOP characteristics, such as classes, abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism
• The benefits of using design patterns
• Creational patterns, including Factory and Singleton patterns
• Structural patterns, including Decorator, Adapter, and Composite patterns
• Behavioral patterns, including Command, Observer, Strategy, and State patterns
• Multiple design patterns, including Model-View-Controller and Symmetric Proxy designs

(more…)

Add seamless, interactive, user-controlled delivery to your Flash applications. This book builds upon your understanding of basic ActionScript (AS) syntax with the foundational skills that you need to use XML in Flash applications and AS2 or AS3 to migrate your existing applications. Beginning with an introduction to XML, XML parsing methods, and a short introduction to AS2 you learn how to create a universal XML load/onload Class as well as a universal XHTML parser. Then you learn how to use Components using XML as the data source, including the menu, menubar, datagrid and tree component. Finally, a
tutorial projectthe design and development of a Real Estate Web site that contains an XML search enginepulls it all together with han ds-on experience. All the applications use XML as the data source and are
written as class files. Select parts of the Real Estate Web site are redeveloped in AS3 for purposes of illustration. The new XML class is presented and specific code examples demonstrate techniques to apply
methods and use properties. Particular attention is paid to the differences between AS2 and AS3 and how to effectively transition from one AS version to the other.

(more…)

Now there's a single definitive source for everything Flash developers need to know to integrate cutting-edge video into a website—seamlessly. Whether your Flash skills focus on design or programming, this guide helps you with every phase from writing the project proposal to deploying finished applications. A step-by-step workflow directs you through setting up a work environment, designing applications, using ActionScript 2 and 3, Flash® Media Server 2, and every stage in between. Packed with tried-and-true solutions and detailed code examples, it's exactly what you need to deliver interactive video to your clients.

Understand your clients' needs and ask the right questions to determine the scope of their projects.
Obtain source video and optimize it for Web-based playback.
Develop a site or Web application that incorporates video.
Create and skin a player with Flash in both ActionScript 2 and ActionScript 3.
Explore hosting requirements, server options, and streaming vs. progressive download delivery.
Publish your site and enable the client to update it with automated tools.
Learn how to create full-featured video players with custom-designed skins.
Develop professional interactive video applications that utilize the power of ActionScript 2 and 3.

(more…)

Now there's a single definitive source for everything Flash developers need to know to integrate cutting-edge video into a website—seamlessly. Whether your Flash skills focus on design or programming, this guide helps you with every phase from writing the project proposal to deploying finished applications. A step-by-step workflow directs you through setting up a work environment, designing applications, using ActionScript 2 and 3, Flash® Media Server 2, and every stage in between. Packed with tried-and-true solutions and detailed code examples, it's exactly what you need to deliver interactive video to your clients.

• Understand your clients' needs and ask the right questions to determine the scope of their projects

• Obtain source video and optimize it for Web-based playback

• Develop a site or Web application that incorporates video

• Create and skin a player with Flash in both ActionScript 2 and ActionScript 3

• Explore hosting requirements, server options, and streaming vs. progressive download delivery

• Publish your site and enable the client to update it with automated tools

Learn how to create full-featured video players with custom-designed skins

Develop professional interactive video applications that utilize the power of ActionScript 2 and 3

(more…)

Go beyond the basics of Shape and Motion Tweens taking a look at all the properties of both.
Discover how to nest your animations using multiple timelines for more advanced movement and control.
Understand Easing controls – from the basic easing to the advanced custom easing feature.
Learn how to apply traditional animation techniques like squash and stretch or anticipation to your characters.
Build your own characters and set up advanced animations like walk cycles and lip sync.

The future looks bright for Web developers! With Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium, you now have fantastic tools that enable you to create a wide array of content and graphics to deploy on a Web site that is dynamic and easy to maintain.

Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies is a hands-on, easy-to-understand guide to the main features in all the CS3 Web development products. The no-nonsense approach is designed to help you build Web sites by covering the basics of each program—Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Fireworks, Illustrator, Flash, Contribute, and Acrobat—as well as the new features in a clear and concise minibook.

(more…)