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Adobe Flash Tutorials, Articles, Discussion Lists, Resources, Books, Software
The Adobe Flash Articles, Tutorials, Discussion Lists, Resources, Books, and Software section below provides an annotated listing of resources to helpful graphics tutorials, tips, Web sites, books and software programs recommendations, and more for Adobe Flash, including Flash CS4 and CS3 Professional, Flash 8, Flash MX, ActionScript, and more. Note that Adobe acquired Macromedia (2006), so you'll see Flash listed as Adobe Flash, Macromedia Flash, or both.Looking for fonts for Flash? See Pixel Fonts, Screen Fonts, which has a section of pixel and LED fonts for Adobe Flash, here at WebsiteTips.com.
Looking for Swish or other motion or animated graphics software? See Swish, Other Animation / Multimedia Graphics Software Articles, Tutorials, Resources, Books here at WebsiteTips.com.
Do you know of some good articles, tutorials, books, or resources related to Adobe Flash - especially Flash CS3 Professional, Swish, Flash movies, videos, multimedia, or animation software programs, Web graphics, or graphics software programs? Recommendations are welcome and appreciated!
On this page:
- Adobe Flash Product Information, Help, Tutorials (formerly Macromedia Flash)
- Adobe Flash Articles and Tutorials
- Discussion Lists and Online Forums on Flash
- Flash Sites and Resources
- Recommended Books on Flash, Flash Software
Also within Graphics Software, Tutorials (24 pages):
- Adobe Fireworks Tutorials, Articles, Extensions, Discussion Lists, Resources, Books
- Adobe Illustrator Tutorials, Articles, Brushes, Symbols, Discussion Lists, Resources, Books, Software (7 pages)
- Adobe Photoshop Tutorials, Articles, Actions, Brushes, Forums, Resources, Books, Software (8 pages)
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Tutorials, Product Information, Sites, Blogs, Resources, Books, and Software
- CorelDRAW Tutorials, Articles, Resources, Books
- Corel Paint Shop Pro Tutorials, Articles, Resources, Books
- Swish, Other Animation / Multimedia Graphics Software Tutorials, Resources
- Icon Creation and Editing Software and Plugins, and Related Tutorials
- Freehand, Other Graphics Software, and Related Tutorials, Articles, Resources
Adobe Flash Product Information, Help, Tutorials (formerly Macromedia Flash)
- Adobe Flash
Product information area for Adobe Flash (formerly Macromedia Flash). [Adobe, formerly Macromedia] - Flash Documentation
Download the complete documentation or review it online via Macromedia's Web site. [Adobe, formerly Macromedia] - Flash Support Forums
Helpful online forums provided by Adobe (formerly Macromedia) for all things Flash. [Adobe, formerly Macromedia] - Text and Fonts in Flash CS3
Adobe's LiveDocs online help, information about working with text and fonts within Flash. Topics include: About text, Flash Text Anti-Aliasing, Unicode text encoding in Flash applications, Font outlines and device fonts, Masking device fonts, About anti-aliasing text, Substituting missing fonts, Work with substitute fonts. [Adobe, formerly Macromedia Flash]
Adobe Flash Tutorials and Articles
In addition to the individual tutorials listed in this section, be sure to check out Flash Sites and Resources further below for entire Web sites and sections of Web sites devoted to Flash that include a multitude of helpful Adobe Flash tutorials, tips, and much more.
Adobe Flash Articles
- The Rise of Flash Video, Part 1
Insightful article about where Flash video is heading. Includes a short history of Flash Video, Flash Video takes over, Where is all of this leading? and more. Part 1 of a 3-part series on Flash. [Article/tutorial dated 10/09/2006, by Tom Green, for Digital Web Magazine.] - The Rise of Flash Video, Part 2
Part 2 of this 3-part series gives “a more 'techie' focus to explains what you need to know so you can prepare and deploy Flash video that will work well for all users.” Topics include QuickTime isn't dead, video compression and codecs, preparing videos for Flash, the problems with Flash video and the Flash video encoder, YouTube, dealing with Digital Rights Management (DRM), Flash media server, FLV, and more. [Article/tutorial dated 10/23/2006, by Tom Green, for Digital Web Magazine.] - The Rise of Flash Video, Part 3
Part 3 of this 3-part series: “jump right into preparing videos with Flash just by reading this article and some of the other resources I'll recommend at the end. I'll deal with the entire process, from someone handing you a video to a user actually viewing the Flash video in a browser, and you'll do it without needing to know any code. Though the process is dead simple, the entire workflow can be both technical and, especially if you are new to Flash video, a little intimidating.” [Article/tutorial dated 11/27/2006, by Tom Green, for Digital Web Magazine.]
Adobe Flash Techniques, General Tutorials
- Adobe Flash CS3 Tutorial: Creating an Animated Banner
Good tutorial on the basics of Flash CS3 and learning how to use Flash, this time to create an animated banner. Easy to follow, step-by-step screenshots along the way, too. [Article/tutorial by Terry Felke-Morris, Web Development & Design Foundations with XHTML.] - Are You Designing For Your Eyes Only? by Chris MacGregor, Flash expert. Flazoom.com. Great article about readability, usable type and font size issues, contrast issues, content issues. Excellent. Then again, everything I've read by Chris MacGregor is outstanding. Check out the rest of this site, also by Chris MacGregor. It's entirely devoted to Flash. [Article/tutorial dated 09/26/2001, by Chris MacGregor, Flazoom.]
- Browserdetection
Tutorial on how to make this a smooth process and to get the Flash plug-in if needed. [Article/tutorial by Henrik Petersen, for NetKonteret.] - Creating a Basic Flash MX Animation
“This tutorial will help you to learn the very basics of Flash MX - basics such as layers, tweens, colors, text, lines, shapes, and more.” Helpful for newer versions of Flash, too. [Article/tutorial by kirupa chinnathambi, for kirupa.com. hat tip: Wise-Women Discussion List.] - Creating Fluid Layouts in Flash - Part 1: The Basics
Follow this free tutorial to learn the HTML attributes necessary to scale a SWF to the browser window, how to turn off scaling in the SWF, and, using the Stage class, how to control the positioning of objects at runtime, depending on the size of the stage. Support files included. [Article/tutorial dated 12/18/2006 by Joseph Balderson, for Community MX.] - Creating Fluid Layouts in Flash - Part 2: Proportional Layouts
In this free tutorial, learn how to “create application layouts in Flash which can exhibit fullsize or fluid functionality. In this series we will explore the basic principles of creating fluid layouts in Flash, build a sample application with a class architecture using components, finishing off with an exploration of the new fullscreen feature available in Flash Player 9.” Support files included. [Article/tutorial dated 12/22/2006, by Joseph Balderson, for Community MX.] - Dynamic Text Formatting Demystified - Part 3: Embedding Fonts
Learn how to implement dynamic text formatting in Flash. Part 3 of a 5-part series ($3 charge or by subscription) on dynamic text formatting with Flash. Support files included. [Article/tutorial dated 12/22/2006, by Joseph Balderson, for Community MX.] - Flash Tutorial: Create Water Wave Effect Animation Using Masking Tween
Step-by-step instructions and screenshots on how to create a water wave effect animation in Flash CS3. You can also download the source files to see how it's done that way, too. Helpful information here. [Article/tutorial dated 10/24/2007, by Chazzuka.] - Flash Vector Illustration
Helpful introductory tutorial on how to create a vector illustration using Flash, Flash CS3 Professional, Adobe Photoshop, creating a rough draft, tracing it in Flash, creating lines, bending, snapping points, coloring and filling in, more. [Article/tutorial dated 05/22/2007, by Pasquale D'Silva aka darkmotion, kirupa.com.] - Free Flash CS3 Tutorial
Great introduction to the basics of using Flash CS3. Easy to follow along and learn how to use many features of Flash CS3. You can also download the source files used in the tutorial to follow along with the same file. The tutorial covers: Create a new Flash CS3 document; Add text; Graphic Symbols; Layers; Draw Shapes (Rectangle); Draw Shapes (Oval); Draw Lines; Reuse Symbols; Resize and Rotate objects; Paste in Place; Align; Change colors of symbols; Transform Options; Movie Clip Symbols; Keyframes; Motion Tweens; Lock Layers; Import an Image; Publish the Flash file. [Article/tutorial dated 2008, by Priya Williams, VineyarDesigns.] - Importing Photoshop (.psd) and Illustrator (.ai) Files into Flash CS3 Professional
“In Flash CS3 Professional, you can now directly import PSD and AI files. You will see many import options in Flash, allowing you to specifically control how each file imports. For example, you can retain, create, and rename layers, create symbol instances, add instance names, and so on.” [Article/tutorial by DVPA (Digital Video Professionals Association).] - Loaders Demystified: Part 1 - Usability Guidelines
Helpful free tutorial that covers basic loader concepts and loader usability - using a progress indicator, keeping the preloader lightweight. Support files included. [Article/tutorial dated 02/28/2006, by Joseph Balderson, for Community MX.] - Timeline Motion Tween in Flash
Basic, easy to follow instructions with screenshots on how to create motion tweening. Includes how to convert an object to a Symbol, provide an initial and end position, and allowing Flash to do the intermediate tweening. Good tutorial for learning these basics. [Article/tutorial by Entheos. hat tip: Wise-Women Discussion List.] - The Rise of Flash Video, Part 3
Part 3 of this 3-part series: “jump right into preparing videos with Flash just by reading this article and some of the other resources I'll recommend at the end. I'll deal with the entire process, from someone handing you a video to a user actually viewing the Flash video in a browser, and you'll do it without needing to know any code. Though the process is dead simple, the entire workflow can be both technical and, especially if you are new to Flash video, a little intimidating.” [Article/tutorial dated 11/27/2006, by Tom Green, for Digital Web Magazine.] - Ten Sound Tips for Flash Users
"David Emberton walks you through the process of bringing music and sound effects into Flash, from preparation to compression and delivery." Helpful tutorial for sound and Flash. [02/22/2002 by Dave Emberton for InformIT.] - Text and Fonts in Flash CS3
Adobe's LiveDocs online help, information about working with text and fonts within Flash. Topics include: About text, Flash Text Anti-Aliasing, Unicode text encoding in Flash applications, Font outlines and device fonts, Masking device fonts, About anti-aliasing text, Substituting missing fonts, Work with substitute fonts. [Adobe, formerly Macromedia Flash] - W3Schools Flash Tutorials Series
Easy to understand, helpful tutorial series - introduction to Flash, Flash how-to, Flash in HTML, Flash tweening, Flash buttons, Flash animation, Flash sound. [Articles/tutorials by W3Schools.]
Adobe Flash Compression, Optimization Tutorials
- Compressing Flash movies and Flash banners
Helpful tips for what to watch for and how to optimize Flash files. Topics cover colors, gradients, symbols, fonts, lines, bitmap images, sound, animation, and exporting. [Article/tutorial by Grantastic Design.] - Flash Performance and Optimization Tips & Tricks
![Cover - Flash Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools [ILLUSTRATED]. By Sham Bhangal. O'Reilly (May 1, 2004).](/im/am/bk/ind/b/bengal-flash-hacks-110.png)
Chapter excerpt from the popular book, Flash Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools. Topics of this chapter: optimize filesize and download time, optimize graphics. Subtopics cover bandwidth testing, hiding low-quality settings, creating and testing optimized graphics, adjusting the animation complexity dynamically, performance, substituting bitmaps for vectors, and optimizing component downloading and usage. [Article/tutorial dated 06/2004, by Sham Bhangal, for ActionScript.org.]
Related within Web Site Resources:
Adobe Flash Image Replacement Techniques Tutorials, Files,Scripts
- IFR, an FIR Alternative
A dynamic text replacement technique that uses Flash, JavaScript, CSS, and well-structured markup, by Shaun Inman. See comments along with the tutorial and explanation. [Article/tutorial dated 04/19/2004, by Shaun Inman, for ShaunInman.com.] - Multi-color sIFR
Based on sIFR Marko's version adds the capability for two-color sIFR. Read how it's done, and download the files here, too. See also his blog post about it, Two colors in sIFR 2.0.1. [Article/tutorial dated 06/23/2006 (and updated when needed), by Marko Dugonjić, maratz.com.] - sIFR 2.0: Rich Accessible Typography for the Masses
sIFR (Scalable Inman Flash Replacement) is a dynamic image replacement technique using JavaScript, CSS, and Flash. It's also fully accessible to screenreaders and other assistive technology. This approach just might be the most widely accessible solution so far. “As the author states, sIFR is meant to replace short passages of plain browser text with text rendered in your typeface of choice, regardless of whether or not your users have that font installed on their systems. It accomplishes this by using a combination of javascript, CSS, and Flash.” You can read all the details here, download the files needed, along with the instructions. There's also a Wiki and a forum for discussion and much more. [Article/tutorial dated 04/27/2005, by Mike Davidson, Mike Industries.] - sIFR 3
Mark Wubben takes over heading up work on the next version of sIFR, sIFR 3. Learn more about it here, join the mailing list, get involved, and more here. [sIFR articles, information by Mark Wubben, Novemberborn.] - swfIR (swf Image Replacement)
The swfIR approach can “help solve some of the design limitations of the standard HTML image and its widely-accepted associated CSS values, while still supporting standards-based design concepts. Using the dark arts of JavaScript and Flash, swfIR gives you the ability to apply an assortment of visual effects to any or all images on your website. Through progressive enhancement, it looks through your page and can easily add some new flavor to standard image styling.” Download the files from the site that includes instructions. Samples include the ability to have elastic images, rotate images and have multiple rotated images on the same page, and add rounded corners to images. Licensed under the CC-GNU LPGL, and donations appreciated. [Dated 2006-2007, by Jon Aldinger, Mark Huot, Dan Mall. swfIR.com.]
For more on image replacement techniques (Flash, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, more):
Adobe Flash Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tutorials, Articles
- Does Google index sites that use Macromedia Flash?
Google's FAQ from their Webmaster Help Center with helpful information and things to consider, such as: “consider using a text browser such as Lynx to examine your site. If features such as Flash keep you from seeing all of your site in a text browser, then search engine spiders may have trouble crawling your site.” Google provides suggestions on how to handle such things and more. [Article/tutorial by Google Webmaster Help Center.] - Don't Expect A Magic Flash Solution For Search Engines
The latest info on what search engines can extract and use from Flash files, what to consider, and SEO strategies. Links to more resources, too. [Article/tutorial dated 03/27/2007, by Danny Sullivan, for Search Engine Land.] - Flash and Search Engine Optimization
Helpful article/tutorial about how search engines “see” Flash file content. Discusses pros and cons, tips to help and tips to avoid doing, and more. [Article/tutorial dated 04/22/2007, by Cristi Dorobantescu, for Ivertech Software Central Newsletters.] - Get Flash Sites Ranked in Search Engines
SEO expert Shari Thurow provides lots of helpful insight with this tutorial on how to get high search engine rankings while also using Flash. Although written in 2004, not outdated. [Article/tutorial dated 10/11/2004, by Shari Thurow, for ClickZ.] - How to Design Flash Pages for Google
“Google is now indexing Flash content! James Gonzalez tells you how to determine which Flash content Google is actually indexing and how to optimize this content to achieve better rankings in Google's search results.” Topics: Finding Flash Content in Google, Flash Search Engine SDK, Extracting Flash Content, Optimizing Flash Content for Google, Problems of Repeating Text, Conclusion. [Article/tutorial dated 03/10/2006, by James Gonzalez, for informit.com.] - Interview: Google's Dan Crow
In this interview, Dan Crow of Google discusses the challenges and problems of indexing online video, including Flash files, along with other topics. Quite insightful about Flash files. From the interview: “Dan Crow is Google's product manager of crawl services - overseeing of the Googlebots that go out and find what's on the web. We asked him about the problem with indexing Web 2.0; whether Google is working with Adobe; the dark web - and the future for robots.txt.” [Article/tutorial dated 03/27/2007, by Bobbie Johnson, for Technology Blog, Guardian Unlimited.] - A Modern Approach to Flash SEO
Great article on understanding content, style, and behavior within Flash files, then how to treat content, more. Author is a Flash engineer at Google working on YouTube. [Article/tutorial dated 03/13/2006, by Geoff Stearns, deconcept.] - Working with Flash, images, and other non-text files
Google's Webmaster guidelines specifically for Flash, images, and other non-text files. [Article/tutorial by Google Webmaster Help Center.]
Related within Web Resources:
Discussion Lists and Online Forums on Flash
- ActionScript Hero Online Forums
Very active online forum with numerous Flash-related topics. Fabulous online forum for all things Flash. [Online forum by Pablo “aSH” Parrado (Adobe Community Expert), ActionScript Hero.] - Adobe Flash Support Forums
Helpful online forums provided by Adobe (formerly Macromedia) for all things Flash. [Adobe, formerly Macromedia] - Flasher
Home for the very popular Flasher e-mail discussion list. Archives, links, book recommendations at the site.
Flash Sites and Resources
This section includes annotated links to Web sites or Web site sections devoted to Flash and other Web sites with listings of Flash resources.
Web Sites or Web Site Sections Devoted to Flash
- Flash and Math: ActionScript Tutorials
Web site devoted to ActionScript tutorials, especially ActionScript 3 and Flash CS3. Basic, intermediate, and Advanced techniques here. [Web site: Flash and Math.] - Flash / ActionScript Tutorials
Dozens of tutorials on Adobe Flash and ActionScript. Main topics include Basic Drawing, Special Effects, Advanced / Actionscript, Server-Side Flash, Isometry, Game Development, Reviews. [Articles/tutorials via kirupa.com.] - Flash Tips
By Lynda.com (Lynda Weinman). Tips, including some available in Quicktime format. You'll find many free tutorials and many available by subscription. Top-notch. - Flash Kit
Web site devoted to Flash as a Flash developers resource center. Tutorials, features, sound FX and sound loops, reviews, forums, fonts, and much more here. [Web site: Flash Kit.] - FLASH Web Design
Hillman Curtis's Web site for the book. Interested in reading a book by the world's foremost Flash authority? This is it. Combined with other foremost Flash developers, this is packed full of direction and inspiration. Or you can buy it here via Amazon.com. - Flashgamer.com
by Netron. A site devoted to games made with Flash, by Adobe (formerly Macromedia). Also has tutorials (sliding menus, buttons, preloading, actionscript), resources, Flash info. - Flashmagazine.com
An entire site dedicated to Flash. Latest news, articles, conferences, newsletter, resources, reviews and books, more. - Flazoom.com
An entire site devoted to Flash, by Chris MacGregor. - Hillman Curtis
Want some creative inspiration by the top Flash authority? Check out Hillman Curtis's Flash portfolio! - LearnFlash.com
Flash tutorials, training videos (commercial) available for beginners, intermediates, advanced. Available for immediate download or via CDs. Many by Craig Campbell. Full length videos available online for free preview within each tutorial series - good way to check them out prior to purchase. For beginners: Introduction to Actionscript 3.0,Introduction to Flash 8, Introduction to Flash MX 2004, Flash CS3 Quickstart, Flash 8 Quickstart, Introduction to Actionscript 2.0, Introduction to Flash Banner Ads. For intermediates /Advanced: Using Flash Templates to Build Websites, Creating Slideshows in CS3, Add Flash Elements to websites, Introduction to Cartooning, Introduction to Building Games, Integrating Flash with XML, Adding Video to Your Website, Building a Website in Flash 8, Building a Website in MX2004, Flash Animation & Intros, and several Tips & Tricks bundles. Also SwishMAX Tips & Tricks. Much more at the site, too. Subscribe to their podcast for previews of their video training. [Site by TechnicalLead.Com, Inc..] - Webmonkey: Multimedia
This section at Webmonkey offers a variety of tutorials for beginning to advanced users of Flash.
See also Fonts
Pixel and LED Fonts for Adobe Flash, Swish here at WebsiteTips.com.
Weblogs/Blogs or Weblog/Blog Categories Devoted to Flash
- David Karlins
Flash (and Dreamweaver) author David Karlins' blog containing info about his latest books, Q&A, comments, and more. [Weblog/blog by David Karlins, PPINET - Digital Graphic and Interactive Design.] - Mike Downey on Adobe
You'll find all the latest news and information about Flash here, all in a fun, interesting writing style. Mike also works for Adobe as “Group Manager of Platform Evangelism, focusing on Adobe's Apollo project.” [Weblog/blog by Mike Downey, Mike Downey on Adobe.]
Other Flash Links Resources
- Adobe Flash Resource Center
Quite a few annotated links here to helpful tutorials and video tutorials on Adobe Flash, including Flash CS3 Professional and other versions. [Listing by Photoshopsupport.com.] - Flasher: Links
Links to Flash-related Web sites recommended and provided by the Flash discussion list, Flasher. - Macromedia Flash Resources
from About.com (Jennifer Kyrnin). Learn about Flash features, general info on Flash, sections for newbies through experienced Flash developers, Flash clipart and sound loops, tutorials, source files, add-ons and utilities, third party software, support and training. [Listing by Jennifer Kyrnin, About.com's Guide to Web Design / HTML.]
Recommended Adobe Flash Books, Video Training / DVDs / CD-ROMs, and Software (formerly Macromedia Flash)
Books on Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash CS3 Professional Books
Adobe Flash CS3 Professional Software
Adobe Flash CS3 is available on its own or bundled within Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Web Premium, Design Premium, Production Premium, or the Master Collection. Links to more information for both Windows and Macintosh versions are below.
What's in each CS3 bundled edition? See Adobe Creative Suite 3 Matrix: What's in Each Edition? here at WebsiteTips.com.
Adobe Flash CS3 Professional Software for Windows
![Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Design Premium Upgrade [Windows]](/im/am/soft/cs3desprem78x110.png)
![Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Production Premium Upgrade [Windows]](/im/am/soft/cs3prodprem78x110.png)
![Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection [Windows]](/im/am/soft/adobecs3master85x110.jpg)
For more on multimedia, see also:
