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A symbol is a reusable image animation, or button. An Instance is an occurrence of a symbol on the stage. Symbols help you keep a file's size low and make editing a movie easier. Symbols are also required to create sophisticated interactivity. |
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Create an object on the stage using drawing tools. |
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To create a symbol, double click on the object to select it and then choose Insert > Convert to Symbol. In the symbols properties box enter Art290 as the name and clcik OK. The Object on the satge is now an instance of the new symbol. |
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Deselect the symbol instance, select it again, and then move it. Notice that you can move it as a single object rather than as separate shapes.
Flash stores symbols in the Library. Each movie has its own Library. |
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Choose Window > Library to open the Library window |
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Creating and changing instances |
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Once you've created a symbol, you can use instances of it anywhere in the movie. |
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Drage the ghost from the Library window into the work area. This creates a new instance of the ghost. Create several more instances you can experiment with. |
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You can change an instance of a symbol without affecting other instances, or the original symbol. |
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Use the scale and rotate modifiers of the arrow tool to change the instances you created. |
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You can also modify the color properties of an instance to change the brightness, hue or transparency. Select the instance of the ghost in the work area and then choose Modify > Instance. |
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In the Instance Properties dialog box, click teh Color Effect tab and then choose Tint from the Color Effect pop-up menu. Choose a green color from the Color pop-up menu, move the Tint slider to 50% and click OK. (A 100% tint completely saturates the instance with the color). |
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Use color effects to make symbol instances transparent. Drag two instances of the ghost to the work area. |
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Select one instance of the ghost, choose Modify > Instance, and tehn choose Alpha from the Color Effects pop-up menu. |
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Move the Alpha slider to the right so the setting is 50% and click OK |
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Editing symbols
So far you've changed instances of a symbol. You can also edit a symbol to make all of the instances change. While you edit a symbol, the rest of the movie disappears and teh symbol appears by itself. All the normal features and tools are available. This is called Symbol-Editing mode.
Select an instance of this ghost and choose Edit>Edit Symbols.
Notice that all the instances of the symbol change, but that the variations for each instanceremain the same. |
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