Importing SWF's different in 5.0?

I know I have a question - one which I had to learn how to load movieclip to get to work correctly. Which just seemed like an interesting workaround instead of feature... my question: Will you be able to import and resize SWF's into a project with less issues than before?

I don't know about the rest, but having to import in a SWF via the load movieclip command, then if I had to resize it (okay, I never learned another way) frame by frame, was so annoying. If 5.0 automates this task... it is so bought.

dunno... I have asked like three questions: actionscripting, this one, and one more... sheesh... and no answers? all on different forums.

maybe I just sound dumb.

I give up...

Quote:

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Originally posted by gerbick
Which just seemed like an interesting workaround instead of feature... my question: Will you be able to import and resize SWF's into a project with less issues than before?

I don't know about the rest, but having to import in a SWF via the load movieclip command, then if I had to resize it (okay, I never learned another way) frame by frame, was so annoying.

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G,

I may be misunderstanding your question. Are you talking about loading a movieclip into a target? And needing to resize the loaded clip by hand?

You can use the load movie command in one Keyframe, once the movie is loaded you can set the properties of the width and height to what you want them to be. You should only have to do this once. Be aware the movie wont be loaded until you exit the keyframe in which you use the Load Movie Action. And you cannot set the width and height until the movie exists.

Also, try to be patient. If you ask a politely and clearly ask a valid question, I guarantee the question will be answered (If anyone knows the answer).

Steve
http://www.flashcraft.com

Yes, the problem is that I have three generated swf files that I wish to place into one bigger swf, within Flash. If you just simply import, the swf files all default to 0,0 (upper left corner). Sometimes, I may just need to resize one of the imported swf files, and that is where I get into problems... I can honestly say that I just don't understand the load movieclip command well enough get it to work - well that, and I am a better Director/LiveMotion/AfterEffects person, and it just makes better sense the way it works in those programs.

That takes me to my first question I had asked - for a resource that would make sense to a neophyte pertaining ActionScripts. I found my answer after 'lurking' and somebody at a later date had asked almost the same question. I appreciate the answer/clues; however, I just (still) don't understand it - as I see it, load movieclip just seems like a work around. Could just be me...

Thanks for the words concerning patience as well.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Flatcrap

G,

I may be misunderstanding your question. Are you talking about loading a movieclip into a target? And needing to resize the loaded clip by hand?

You can use the load movie command in one Keyframe, once the movie is loaded you can set the properties of the width and height to what you want them to be. You should only have to do this once. Be aware the movie wont be loaded until you exit the keyframe in which you use the Load Movie Action. And you cannot set the width and height until the movie exists.

Also, try to be patient. If you ask a politely and clearly ask a valid question, I guarantee the question will be answered (If anyone knows the answer).

Steve
http://www.flashcraft.com [/B]

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G,

If I find the time tomorrow morning, I'll throw together a description/exercise that (hopefully) will clear the Load Movie and/or import SWF Stuff up for you. My son wants me to take him to the X-games tomorrow, and that could suck up my whole day.

Steve
http://www.flashcraft.com

I appreciate the help. No need to rush... X-Games, eh? man... maybe I convince you take me too :)

thanks again...

Quote:

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Originally posted by Flatcrap
G,

If I find the time tomorrow morning, I'll throw together a description/exercise that (hopefully) will clear the Load Movie and/or import SWF Stuff up for you. My son wants me to take him to the X-games tomorrow, and that could suck up my whole day.

Steve
http://www.flashcraft.com

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G,

I just caught what you were saying about the Import SWF and I see the problem you are having.

Does this describe your scenerio?:

You import a .swf file into your main timeline. It dumps keyframes into a layer on your timeline. So now you have to go through the timeline keyframe by keyframe and size/position each graphic.

A couple of really easy solutions for you.

1. Instead of importing into the main timeline.

First, create a shape on your stage (Circle or square works)

Next, Select the shape and select Insert>Convert to symbol.

Make sure to select Movie Clip or Graphic (When in doubt use Movie Clip), Name the Symbol and click OK.

Now you have a Movie Clip on your stage. Next step, right click (CMD Click on the Mac) and select "Edit in Place".

You should now be looking inside of the Movie Clip Timeline (A subtimeline) and all the timelines that are parents to or siblings of it are "Faded out".

NOW, import your SWF into this new timeline
, delete the shape you initially created.

Double click any empty space to ascend up the timeline chain (Climb back out of Edit in Place).

The advantage of this? Now when you resize/reposition the Movie Clip instance ALL KEYFRAMES are sized and positioned. You also have some additional powers at your disposal - more about that some other time.

Why did I create a shape before making my Symbol? If I just created a new symbol, it would show up in my library. I would have to drag it to my stage before I could use it. It's a habit I've gotten into that saves me a step in my workflow.

2. Use edit multiple frames.

First, hide all of the layers you don't want to make changes to.

Second, activate edit multiple frames.
http://www.flashcraft.com/images/Edi...ipleframes.gif



Next, slide the Onion Skin Start/Stop "Fences(that's what I call them)" to enclose all keyframes you want to edit/change.
http://www.flashcraft.com/images/start_stop.gif


Finally, Select all by dragging a selection or CTRL+A. Notice you have now selected ALL of the objects and can move and scale them as one. When you deactivate Edit Multiple frames you go back to single frame editing mode.

When should you use this method? When you need to keep your imported frames/objects in the main timeline. This depends on your project requirements/design and your workflow. I tend to keep everything modular using Movie Clips and multiple sub/sibling timelines.

3. Use Load Movie, this is a very powerful function and has specific applications. I'll try to go into this later.

G - It looks like you started out using LiveMotion. I like lots of the stuff it does. However, don't shortchange yourself by not going deeper into Flash. Flash is more of a mechanical/application construction tool. When I make something in Flash, I pretend I'm a fine watchmaker. I try to make everything modular, it all fits together and works together. MOST of my main timelines only contain one Frame, yet motion is fluid and the environment is interactive, dynamic and flexible.

LM VS Flash is another case of what you start with - you stick with. Like Mac VS PC, Lightwave VS 3DStudio Max, etc... They are ALL EXCELLENT tools and platforms. If they all weren't the prime tools in the industry, there would not be an arguement or disagreement over superiority.

I think once you delve into Flash and get familiar with it's capabilities - You'll grow to LOVE the unlimited visual programming power it gives you.

Steve
http://www.flashcraft.com
[Edited by Flatcrap on 08-21-2000 at 03:43 AM]

Maybe; just maybe, do I understand the question, and the answer could be something like this:

Flash 4 already has a feature which edits multiple frames. Look right under the timeline window next to fps etc. There are 4 little buttons, and button number 4 (if pressed) allows you to edit content keyframed over multiple frames.

If this helped you, you really need to be more accurate in your Flash terminology. I.e. there´s a big difference between a movie-clip and a movie (swf-file). Which are you talking about?

Soren Madsen

Soren, thank you for the clarification... I meant movie.

Quote:

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Originally posted by sadomadsen
Maybe; just maybe, do I understand the question, and the answer could be something like this:

Flash 4 already has a feature which edits multiple frames. Look right under the timeline window next to fps etc. There are 4 little buttons, and button number 4 (if pressed) allows you to edit content keyframed over multiple frames.

If this helped you, you really need to be more accurate in your Flash terminology. I.e. there´s a big difference between a movie-clip and a movie (swf-file). Which are you talking about?

Soren Madsen

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