I tried determining logically what it is that could have happened. For the life of me I couldn’t figure it out. That was 4 months ago.

Flash forward to today, I figured it out.

Even though resources are stored in the FLA (which explains it’s often-bloated filesize), it seems to still rely on the original location of the files. This is not a problem if you work on one computer, however, it turns out that the reason my Flash file wasn’t crashing was because get this:

Flash CS3 was looking for resources (that are supposed to be stored in the file). When these resources were stored on a network, and the FLA was on my desktop. It was crashing, and vice versa (resources on computer, fla on network).

Solution

Keep all your files and work entirely on your desktop. Re-reference files in your FLA that are not on the same hard drive as the FLA. Delete files in your library that are not in use.

Hopefully that saves someone hours of anguish.

Right Demographic

You are certain that the demographic will be able to accomodate Flash’s basic needs including CPU, age bracket, usability and willingness to explore something new.

Interaction

Being able to actively interact with a website stimulates users. It actively involves them with content and information. It gives the illusion that your company is up and coming and hip.

Product Experience

Seeing a product in action or being able to manipulate it makes the user that much more comfortable with what it is you have to offer. Product experiences can include an instruction guide or an introduction to products.

Lightweight Animation

If you’re looking to do simple fades between a few images, animations done in Flash are more professional, have decent filesize and are much cleaner then the animated GIF solution.

Professional and Credible

Since budget constraints can often limit the use of Flash because of its development time and cost, Flash sites give the feeling that the website costs more. If the Flash was done professionally, this will reflect back to the company.

In a past article, I’ve gone over reasons not the use Flash on your website.

Hope that helps. Cheers.

Load Time

This always strikes a chord with web usability enthusiasts. The longer it takes for your site to load, the more likely your visitor is discouraged from revisiting your website.

Eats Up a User’s Time

Intricate animations or Flash intros (brrrawrr :/) eat up a user’s time. When users visit websites they usually have a goal: to find information. Having Adobe Flash animations that animate content, navigation, etc. is likely to bother the user who already has a goal in mind.

Time Comsuming to Develop

Flash pieces aren’t simple pictures that are cut and paste with animation filters being applied. It’s based on a timeline and is very time consuming. This places a restriction on organizations with limited budgets.

CPU Heavy

Although you may be running a computer made in the last 3 years, this isn’t the case for everyone. Flash can get CPU heavy and run like molasses on older computers. Again, this discourages users from digging deeper into your site and revisiting your website.

Frivolous

Flash is a very eccentric word, just saying it gets me excited. But having Flash for the sake of having Flash just isn’t a good idea. If what you’re looking for is Flash, you should be able to justify all the points mentioned in this article.

Different Usability

Replicating usability circumstances or interfaces in Flash is a pain. Buttons, scrollbars, textboxes can all look different and confuse users. This can overwhelm older or inexperienced users that aren’t used to “minesweeping” websites for surprise content.

That’s all for now, hope that helps.

Trace

What trace does is it allows you to print information to your output window in Flash. This is not visible to those who view the SWF on the web. Trace is especially useful if something goes wrong and you want to figure out why. You can trace simple text or the contents of variables.

trace(“Text or variables can go here”);

Playhead Control

Using simple playhead control, you can take care of a lot animations that you see on the web. These include:

gotoAndStop(frameVariable);
gotoAndPlay(frameVariable);
stop();

Functions

Functions are basically chunks of code that you don’t want to have to rewrite over and over again. It saves you time writing and updating it. Once your Actionscript skills get more advanced, you’ll be thankful you know how to do functions.

function functionName(inputValue) {trace(inputValue);}

If Statement

Like functions, if statements are a staple of any code. They’re pretty basic and pretty straightforward.

if (myVariable==myOtherVariable) {trace(myVariable);}

Assigning Attributes

Assigning attributes allows you to dynamically place or alter items on your canvas using Actionscript. This includes, but is not limited to visibily, scale, alpha and position. Some examples:

myMovieClip_mc._visible=false;
myMovieClip_mc. _alpha=35;
myMovieClip_mc._x=50;
myMovieClip_mc._y=50;

For Loop and While Loop

These loops facilitate doing tasks specific numbers of times or until a factor has been met. These code bits are fairly straight-forward.

for (var startCounter=0; startCounter<50; startCounter++){trace(startCounter);}

startCounter=0;
while (startCounter != 10) {startCounter++;}

Button Manipulation

If you’ve gotten past the stage where single frame rollovers are passé. These basic commands (when applied to a button) will give you a lot more flexibility then you once thought you had.

on (rollOver) {button_mc.gotoAndPlay(2);}
on (rollOut,dragOut) { button_mc.gotoAndStop(1);}
on (release) {myAwesomeAnimation.gotoAndPlay(2);}

Hope that helps.

I define a raster file as a file where pixels are set. That would mean any GIF, JPG (JPEG) or PNG file A vector file is a file where pixels aren’t set, in its place is a series of complex mathematics that helps the program (or printer) render the vector crisply at the desired size. Most EPS and AI files are vector files. Shapes drawn or text typed in Flash is also considered a vector.

Advantages of Raster Animation

• Compression – Flash provides an easy way to change the file’s compression (Right-click the raster file, select Properties)
• Easier on the CPU – Compared to vector animation, raster animation takes less CPU time
• Assurance – You know exactly what your raster image will look like in Flash, in the case of vector animation, you’re handing that responsibility over to the program
• Smooth – At the expense of CPU time, you can Allow Smoothing on files that will be lightly resized (Right-click the raster file, select Properties)
• Faster Effects – When filters or alpha is applied, a raster graphic will perform faster then a vector graphic

Advantages of Vector Animation

• Compression – Flash provides an easy way to smooth otherwise complex curbs to help shave uneeded detail (Select the shape, Modify -> Shape -> Optimize…)
• Scalability – Vector graphics can be scaled or blown-up if needed in your animation. Raster files leave much to be desired
• Smooth – Vector graphics, when lightly resized, will appear smoother then raster animation
• File size – Since vectors are made up of mathematics instead of pixel data, vectors are typically lighter in file size

That’s all for now, I hope that helps.

PS. I apologize for the post on Tuesday instead of Monday. I had a little bit of stomach discomfort, but I’m feeling great now.

Basics

• A query string is located after the file name. I bolded it in the following example:
  www.pat-burt.com/index.php?variableName=variableValue
• Use SWFObject. I can’t emphasize it enough, SWFObject gives you many freedoms and options. To top it off, it’s simple to use. Another reason to use SWFObject is that this example uses SWFObject.

In Your PHP/ASP File

On the page containing SWFObject, make sure you have a valid file extension for the language you’ll be using.

You’ll have a line that looks similar to this:

<script type=”text/javascript”>
var so = new SWFObject(“flashFile.swf”, “Title”, “550″, “400″, “8″, “#ffffff”);
so.write(“flash”);
</script>

Before the so.write(“flash”);, copy and paste this line:
ASP
so.addVariable(“varInFlash”, “<%=request.querystring(“variableName”)%>”);
PHP
so.addVariable(“varInFlash”, “<?=$_GET["variableName"]?>”);

Now what we’ve got is SWFObject passing the variable into Flash. Easy as pie.

Notes

• We have not done any treatment to the query string we’ve pulled from the address bar, I strongly suggest treating the variable before you post it in addVariable to avoid errors.
• SWFObject also uses the following line:
  so.addVariable(“varInFlash”, getQueryParamValue(“variableName”));
  Unfortunately, this doesn’t allow you to process the variable to avoid errors. You’ll have to take care of that in Flash. And if you’re Flash file is anything like mine, there’s a lot more room for ASP/PHP then there is for Actionscript

Using the Variable in Flash

As soon as you’ve done that, your variable is ready to use in Flash.

To check that the variable came in properly, create a Dynamic Text Box on your canvas and give it the instance name: textBox. On your first frame, type the following Actionscript:
textBox.text = varInFlash;
Run it, and voila, it works!

Hope that helped. Good luck.

NOTE: This is not for beginners.

Components

• Flash File
• HTML with Flash File
• ASP/PHP/etc Page That Will Process Form Data
• HTML page with Frames.

Concept

What we’re going to do is set up a Flash File that will simply send form data to an ASP file. Our HTML page with frames will have two frames. One frame will contain the HTML with our Flash, the second will contain a sandbox that will allow the ASP file to refresh without ever affecting the main page we’re browsing. We’re going to hide the second frame so that we don’t ever see the refreshes happening.

I know what you’re thinking, frames are lame. In our example though, you won’t even notice it being there.

Flash File

Create a new Flash file, select the first blank frame you’re given, bring up the ActionScript window and copy and paste the following code:

stop();
varsToSend = new LoadVars();
varsToSend.firstVar=”Pat-Burt”;
varsToSend.send(“intoDatabase.asp”,”process”,”POST”);

Explanation
stop – makes sure that your Flash movie doesn’t loop and constantly send “Pat-Burt” to your ASP file.
varsToSend – our LoadVars() object that contains all the variables we’ll be sending to our ASP file.
firstVar – a variable, you can have any number of these.
send – sends the vars in varsToSend to intoDatabase.asp
process – the frame name (we’ll use this later)
post – how we’re sending the data to the database

HTML Frame Page

Create a new HTML page, strip the body tags and throw this in:

<FRAMESET rows=”100%, 1″ >
<FRAME src=”flash.html” name=”flash” noresize frameborder=”0″>
<FRAME src=”intoDatabase.asp” name=”process” noresize scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″>
</FRAMESET>

Explanation
Frameset – creates the frames, defines the first to have 100% height, and the second to have a height of 1 pixel.
flash.html – Our HTML file with our Flash file inserted. It is named “flash”.
process.html – Our HTML file where our ASP file will be reloaded to insert data into the database. It’s located in the frame sized as 1 pixel.

ASP File

This is the simplest version I could present. Keep in mind you will need to define db which should reference your connection string to your database.

db.execute(“INSERT INTO database (message) VALUES (‘”&request.form(“firstVar”)&”‘)” )

Explanation
request.form(“firstVar”) – the name of the variable in our Flash file
database – our database name
message – the column name in our database

HTML with Flash File

Insert your Flash file in whatever form you prefer. I recommend SWFObject.

Put Them All Together And Make Sure You…

• Name the HTML file with your Flash: flash.html
• Name your ASP file (in this example) to intoDatabase.asp
• Provide a <noframes /> alternative where the page is loaded in a new window in the off chance someone has frames turned off
• Don’t get to complicated. Get everything working in its simplest form before you add extra features

Good luck, hope that helps.

In this example, we have three items: our object, our mask (in this case, it was drawn in Flash) and our black background. (I put them side by side in the image)

1 – Convert your mask and your object to Movie Clips. In this example, I used mask_mc and object_mc. Your library might look something like this:

2 - Place mask_mc and object_mc on your canvas and assign Instance Names identical to their Movie Clip Names. Get into the habit of naming your layers the same as your Movie Clip names. Your canvas should look like this:

Note: If you’re a little newer to Flash, you can set your Instance Name by clicking on the Movie Clip on your canvas and filling in this section:

3 – Fill in the ActionScript. Create a layer called actions and type in the following ActionScript.

this.mask_mc.cacheAsBitmap=true;
this.object_mc.cacheAsBitmap=true;
object_mc.setMask(mask_mc);

4 – Play. If all worked out well, your result should look like this (notice the top and bottom are transparent, so you see the black background):

and your layers should look like this:

Notes

A few things to note:

• These masks can be animated.
• Image files (PNGs) can be used as the mask.
• Feathered masks are relatively CPU heavy and really tend to bog down machines if they’re animated and/or transparent and/or large. Use this technique sparingly.
• If you have any questions, post in the comments section

Hope that helps.

1 – Raster vs Vector
Be well aware of the benefits of raster images versus the benefits of vector images. For the sake of CPU time, I prefer GIFs or JPGs. I know what each pixel looks like and I won’t leave it to Adobe Flash to render my vector work.

2 – Don’t Use Flash for the Sake of it
Some client’s are caught in this web where they have to do what’s currently hip. Flash is something that has to suit your corporate image, your target demographic and what it is you’re advertising. Flash is tedious work, so be sure you need it before you develop it.

3 – Flash Splash Pages are Bad
Well, typically just splash pages are bad, but flash pages are just as bad. You’re forcefully putting an extra step between the user and the information he/she desires. Consider making it a banner on an information filled landing page. Splash pages are mentioned in my article on four types of webpages to avoid.

4 – Optimize Your Images
Filesize and download time are critical to visitors. Be sure you know how to optimize your images in and out of Flash. I wrote on article on optimizing GIFs and optimizing JPEGs.

5 – Preload Your Flash
What may seem like a filesize that won’t need a preloader might be a burden on someone else’s connection. Besides, it helps with syncing and can speed up some animations. Be careful not to have a bloated preloader.

6 – Don’t Ignore Usability
Just because you enjoy throwing your mouse around a page finding fun tips and tricks doesn’t mean other people will be as technologically thrilled by your creation. Test your creation on family members and see how it works out.

7 – Watch Your Pixels
Adobe Flash gives you the ability to place objects on fractions of a pixel. This may work out well, but it does leave some rendering up to Flash and your graphic might not come out as expected, keep this in mind.

8 – Avoid Organic Animation
Unless you’re good at it (or an animator), avoid animations that replicate real life motions. Examples can include simulated content being thrown or splashing text. This may appear crystal clear in your mind and in concepts but will be hard to work with, like.. throwing.. content, or a water splash.

9 – Know Your Way Around Basic ActionScript
Let’s face it, design and development require two different ways of thinking: left brain thinking and right brain thinking. If you’re a designer, try to go a little bit more indepth with ActionScript. This can be the simplest IF/ELSE statements and simple variable declaring.

10 – Know What’s Happening Around The Flash
If you don’t have any idea where your flash piece is going to be displayed, you might be a little surprised when you see the outcome. Be sure to have an idea of the palette or design elements that will be around your piece.

That’s all for now. If you’re just joining me, you can catch up on Part 1 of Flash Design and Development tips here.

UPDATE: BE SURE TO CHECK OUT PART 2 

1 – Don’t Restrict Yourself
Just because you don’t know the program well, doesn’t mean you should paint yourself into a box. The tips for a great web design also apply to flash design. click here for part 1 and part 2 of web design tips

2 – Don’t Use the Graphic Symbol Type
The Movie Clip Symbol Type does everything a graphic can do and more. There is almost no reason to use a Graphic.

3 – Set the frame rate to 31 fps
I’ve been taught in school by a professional that 31 fps is the best framerate for Flash because different operating systems have discrepancies when it comes to Flash framerate, a framerate of 31 instead of 30 would mean less difference when your Flash file is displayed cross-platform. And for the love of god, please dont’ leave it at the default.

4 – Test on slower CPUs
Typically, if you’re the kind of guy that does a lot of design or web work, you’ve got a machine with a decent amount of muscle on it. Just because your computer can run your .swf file flawlessly, doesn’t mean that others will as well. Test your site on what you think the lowest common denominator will be.

5 – Use SWFObject
SWFObject is used to integrate your .swf into the browser without having Internet Explorer 7 paint a disgusting border around it. For more information on SWFObject, I’ve written a brief summary here.

6 – Suffix Items In Your Library
Your movie clip names should end with _mc and your dynamic text fields in _txt. It makes life easier when you’re typing up Actionscript.

7 – Use Fuse Kit
Fuse Kit is an animation library that makes tweening through actionscript easy and gorgeous. See the website over at MosesSupposes.

8 – Apply Ease To All Tweening
Ease is what’s used to accelerate or decelerate tweens. Adjusting these accelerations for each tween will be noticeable and make your Flash look more elegant and professional.

9 – Apply Feathered or Anti-Aliased Masks
These masks help you stray away from the normally boxy looking masks. Apply these types of masks in moderation as they do eat up CPU.

10 – Know That Not All People Love Flash
Not everyone wants to sit down for 30 seconds and watch a Flash intro you’ve made. Know that Flash sometimes has to be kept short and sweet. Keep your animations and your overall flow relatively quick.

That’s all for now. Hope that helps.

 UPDATE: BE SURE TO CHECK OUT PART 2