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6. Symbols
Using symbols in Flash is just like grouping an object together in any other program, such as grouping objects in Microsoft Office. Symbols help Flash put things into groups. They help Flash distinguish different parts from each other, which is helpful when you start moving things around. Shapes must be made into symbols before they can start moving.
A) Making a Symbol
To create a symbol you select all the objects you want in the symbol. Take this lovely car:
Press F8 (or go Modify / Create a symbol). Give your symbol a name and select which type of symbol you need.
There are three types of symbol:
Select the type of symbol and click OK. You’re done! You have created a symbol.
However, you may need to use more than one of the same symbol at the same time. You do not need to redraw and make another symbol. You just need to make another instance...
b) Instances and the Library...
On the stage, you have an instance of a symbol. You can have more than one instance of a symbol on the stage. Difficult to explain, but easy to understand once I've shown you.
Open up the Library (Ctrl + L). This window should come up.
This window shows every symbol and picture used in your flash movie. Now, just click and drag the "car " symbol on to the stage. You have created a second INSTANCE of the car. Do you get it now?
Just recap...
This bit of Flash is a bit boring - it's all theory. Just make sure you understand the basic principles. Symbols are important. You can't do much in flash without them (just you wait till we get to games...). Make a few symbols to get the idea - then move on... (don't worry if you don't get it, we'll go through it lots all the way through the course!)
Now we can use symbols, let's do something with them...
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