JASON MCALPIN

Category: Flash

  • ActionScript Functions

    Here are a few tips when using functions in Flash.
    function callMe(){}

    object.variable1 = callMe();
    object.variable2 = callMe;
    There is a big difference in how a function works depending on if () are used.
    When you use () with a function you are calling it, at which point it runs its code and returns any values. When you do not use () it assigns the function to the variable name. The variable name will then be able to be used to call the function.

  • imbed your flash fonts

    Flash allows you to imbed the fonts along with the rest of your media. This makes sure everyone working on the file has the same font. It allows Windows and Macs the same access to the flash file. Even more importantly it allows you to name the font so that you know its usage. Even more importantly than that is if you need to revisit the file months or years later you can be confident that all the pieces you need to work from that file are included.

    To add a font in Flash do the following steps.

    1. Open your Library.
    2. Click the drop down in the upper right of the palette.
    3. Click New Font…
    4. A window will pop up where you can name your font. Personally I name them by their usage, such as page_header_arial_bold or drop_down_menu_eurostyle_ext. It’s always a good idea to use descriptive names in case you need to come back into the file months later.

    Thats all there is to it. Now go forth and build brand new flash files confident that you will never loose the font