These days it has become easier to produce books in full color. That makes it a lot easier for folks who need to learn a computer program but want to have illustrations just like what would be on the screen. I just checked out one such book. It is from Sams Publishing and is about Flash 5. The title of the book is How To Use Macromedia Flash 5: Visually in Full Color. The authors of the book are Denise Tyler and Gary Rebholz.
The book has 277 pages. There is a 13-page index at the back of the book. It has 14 chapters along with a section on Flash resources. There is also a short glossary on Flash terms.
The book is broken down into specific tasks in each chapter. Each task has several things that you have to do to produce the desired effect that the author wants. The task has a begin item and an ending item. Each task is followed up with a short tip titled How-To Hints. All of the items of a task are illustrated in full-color. From showing a pull-down menu tem to design work, all of these pictures are in color.
The first chapter is just a brief introduction to Flash. It tells you about what it is and what it can do for you. The second chapter lets you get your feet a little wet. Learn how to use the Zoom feature. Learn what the Flash Library is and what it can do for you. This chapter also covers how to edit your program preferences.
Chapter 3 shows you how to create gradients. It also lets you use the Pencil to do a line drawing. The chapter goes through how the Erase tool can aid your design a lot. Get a taste of the Fill Bucket in this chapter as well.
Chapter 4 has you importing some artwork into Flash, while Chapter 5 monkeys around with type and how to create static text fields. Learn how to adjust margins and spacing in this chapter too.
Chapter 6 is all about layers. Learn here how to create layers and use them to further along your project. Chapter 7 has you modifying and grouping objects. Learn how to scale an object or rotate it 45 degrees.
As Flash 5 is an animation program, you will learn about frames. Chapter 8 has all of the basic information about frames and keyframes for Flash. In Chapter 9, you will be exposed to Symbols and Instances. These pieces are essential to a good Flash animation.
Chapter 10 goes through the buttons that can be made in Flash. Along with the buttons, you will learn how to assign an action to one. Chapter 11 takes you into the world of Flash Scenes. As this is treated as a motion picture type of thing, movie terms are thrown around a lot in Flash.
The chapter that needs close attention (as if the others didn't) is 12. Here the authors explore how animation is done in Flash 5. Learn what tweening is and how it can enhance the entire project. Chapter 13 has you working with sounds. It shows how to add sound effects or a song to your project.
The last chapter puts it all together for you and lets you publish the final product. Learn about the various file publishing formats. Find out how to publish a QuickTime movie or publish your movie using a stand-alone player.
The appendix has various Flash resources. Learn about web sites that have animation files to use in your production. There are also places listed that provide tutorials for learning Flash better. And there are web sites listed that once viewed will both amaze and inspire you.
If you want a chance to learn Flash 5 in a fairly short time, then this book will help. It covers the bare bones of operating the program and gives you some ideas on how to design a great Flash animation.
How To Use Macromedia Flash 5: Visually in Full Color is available at booksellers like Barnes & Nobles and B. Dalton's. You can also get it directly from Sams Publishing. The list price for the book is $ 29.99.
Check out the complete line of Sams Publishing books at its parent company's (Macmillan) web site. The URL for the site is www.macmillanusa.com.
Copyright © 2000 Bruce E. Von Stiers