Symbols & Instances

The objective of symbols and instances are to re-use art/elements and cut down on work and file size.

Review of TermsDefinitions taken from glossary at blog

Exercise: for each term, type a paraphrase in a Word document and turn it in at the end of the class session

Symbols, InstanceSymbol: A symbol can be :

-any object or combination of objects -animation-Web button

When you create a symbol, the objects (or animation) become one symbol.

Flash stores the definition of the symbol in the Library.

From the library, the designer can effortlessly insert multiple copies of the symbol into a movie.

Each copy is called an instance.

Take notes and then write your own paraphrase of symbol and instance.

Try to find a metaphor. Example:A symbol is any combination

of elements that can be

reused. It’s like making a

combination of spices, such

as Chinese Five-Spice.

Combine them in a jar

(symbol) and store them in

the cupboard (library).

2 tablespoons anise seed2 tablespoons fennel seed2 tablespoons ground cinnamon2 tablespoons whole cloves2 tablespoons whole peppercorns

Students Write Paraphrase of Symbol and Instance

Three Types of Symbols

1. Graphic symbols2. Movie clip symbols3. Button symbols (specialized form of movie symbol)

Next: explanation of each type of symbol

After explanation: we will create each type of animation as a symbol

Graphic Symbols

1. Simple graphic symbols2. Multiframe graphic symbol

Graphic Symbols

Simple Graphic Symbol Multiframe Graphic Symbol

Movie Clip SymbolMovie Clip Symbol:

--reusable, self-contained animation segment ----can be dropped into a single frame in

another animation.

--run independently from the animations to which they have been added

--can have sounds and action

-- good for non-sequential effects like repeating or looping scenes; also interactive

graphics

(Grover, Missing Manual, 2009)

Example: happy_frog_sound.fla

Multiframe Graphic Symbol vs. Movie Clip Symbol

Confusing: --a movie clip symbols is a series of frames--a graphic symbol can have multiple frames, too

So what is the difference?

A multiframe graphic symbol has to match the animation to which you add it, frame for frame (read further in book under Multiframe Graphic Symbol vs. Movie Clip)

A multiframe graphic symbol can't include sound or interactivity. A movie clip symbol can.

See “moviecountdown.fla” for an example of a multiframe graphic symbol

Button Symbol

Button Symbol: Specialized form of movie clip symbol