Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 6 – Slide 1 by Michael Kay The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash

Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 6 – Slide 1

by Michael Kay

The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash


CHAPTER 6Optimizing and Publishing


Chapter Objectives

Optimize Flash files that download faster and display more quickly.

Use the Bandwidth Profiler to find bottlenecks and simulate how a Flash movie will load in the real world.

Build a loading sequence. Export Flash SWF files and embed them into

web HTML pages. Learn how to publish content that’s compatible

for your audience.


Optimizing Flash Content

Minimize file size and maximize bandwidth Use symbols and keyframes strategically Minimize the use of bitmap images and

sounds Utilize compression settings for individual

images and sounds Simplify vector images Prioritize the content: Only create larger

files to those who would be receptive to it


May Cause Rendering Problems

Gradient fills Alpha transparency Masks Intricate vector artwork Large-area bitmap images Long blocks of text Layering or animating any of the above A movie with large dimensions Complex ActionScript


Using the Bandwidth Profiler

Access it from Control >Test Movie Look at the Timeline graph to see how the movie

loads Check the overall file size Verify behavior of animations and actions Is quality of images and sounds acceptable? Review any error messages View > Show Streaming simulates how the movie

will play over the Internet


A Smoother Playing Movie

Avoid unnecessary sounds and graphics and optimizing the ones that are used.

Simplify the frames where the Bandwidth Profiler show a gray bar rising above the red line.

Reduce the compression settings for the entire movie or for the larger graphics and sounds.

Pace the download so that everything doesn’t have to load at once.

Add a “loading” loop.


Creating a Loading Loop (1)

Set aside several frames at the start of the movie Label the first keyframe “start_loop” Insert a second keyframe at the end of the

loading section and assign a Go To action that targets “start_loop”

Insert a third keyframe just after the second one labeled “movie_resume”

Add If Frame is Loaded action to the first keyframe


Creating a Loading Loop (2)

This following should appear in the text paneof the actions panel:

ifFrameLoaded (80) { gotoAndPlay ("movie_resume");

}


Publishing the Flash Movie

A web page with Flash requires:A “SWF” fileAn HTML page

Use File > Publish Settings to access all options for exporting a Flash movie

Click on the Formats, Flash, and HTML tabs to change settings


Key Flash Movie Settings

JPEG Quality: Sets the default compression for images.

Audio Stream: Sets the default compression for stream sounds

Audio Event: Sets the default compression for Event and Start sync sounds

Override sound settings: Applies default sound settings to every sound regardless

Version: Can save a SWF file compatible with older Flash players


Key HTML Settings

Template: Will generate HTML pages optimized for specific purposes

Playback, Paused at start: Forces movie to be stopped on loading

Playback, Display Menu: Allows users to modify the play of a movie via a standard Flash menu

Playback, Loop: Allows movie to repeat automatically

Quality: The display quality of the movie.


Working with Published Files

It’s easiest to use Dreamweaver or GoLive Editing by hand, look at everything

between the <OBJECT> and </OBJECT> tags.

Test in a web browser is most accurate test.

Use an FTP program to post the Flash SWF and HTML files to the web


Providing the Correct Version

For a mass audience export a SWF file that requires an older plug-in

For a cutting edge web site with a sophisticated audience, export a SWF format in the latest version

In some cases, you can provide 2 versions of a file

Control > Test Movie will warn about incompatible features

Documents

Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 6 – Slide 1 by Michael Kay The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash