Flash: the Basics

1. Notice when you mouse-over an item in the "Tools Panel" that the keyboard short-cuts are included in the mouse-over description.
2. At the bottom of the "Tools Panel" is a context sensitive area that changes depending on the tools selection.

PRACTICE: Select different tool selections then notice how the content sensitve area changes when different tools are activated.

1. Select the "Pencil Tool" (see image to the right)
2. In the context sensitive area, explore the straighten, smooth, and ink options.
3. Draw a line using the ink option, then select the line using the "Selection Tool." Once the line is selected, go to the context sensitive area and select to straighten the line.

1. Select the "Line Tool"
2. Using the "Properties Window", select a different color and a different stroke height.
3. Select the "Cap" and the explore the options.
4. Finally, explore the different line strokes.

PRACTICE: Once you have outlined the circle by setting anchor points, see if you can transform your circle into an ice cream cone shape. Explore the "Convert Anchor Points" to change the curve into a sharp corner. Select the corner of a sharp point and use the "Properties Window" .

1. Workshop: open activity6.fla
2. Select the pen tool, then use the pen tool to select each corner of the triangle. Once you have a closed figure, use the pen tool to deselect the anchor points.
3. Select the pen tool, then set an anchor point at four equal parts on the circle, by clicking, then slightly dragging to bend an arc, outlining the circle.
4. Use the "Subselection Tool" to choose then move the anchor points.