Test Bank for The Web Wizard’s Guide to Flash

CHAPTER 1

Short Answer

1. Why use Flash? List at least 4 advantages.Answer: Flash creates rich Web graphics and multimedia experiences. It is relatively easy to use, creates relatively small files, it creates simple animations, imports files from other programs and allows you to easily add sound.

2. Explain the difference between bitmap and vector-based graphics. Answer: A bitmap graphic is composed of many tine squares (pixels), each a different color, which when viewed together create an illusion that we see as a photograph, logo, or other artwork. A bitmap images defines the color of each pixel separately. A vector image used a geometric equation to describe the size, shape and color. 3. What are the advantages of vector-based graphics on the web?Answer: The geometric equation of the vectored image results in a much smaller file size, which downloads more quickly over the internet. Also, a vector image is always crisp, no matter how big or small it is.

4. What are the 2 file formats and filename extensions created by Flash? When do you use each one?Answer: The work document (.fla extension) is the file which you work on. It can be opened only by the Flash program. The SWF file (.swf extension) plays in the web browser, and can be created, or published, by the .fla file.

5. What are the 4 main components of the Flash interface? Answer: The Stage, the Timeline, the Panels, and the Menu Bar.

6. What is the playhead? Where do you find it?Answer: The playhead is the moveable red from indicator in the timeline. It shows which frame is active on the stage.

7. What is the purpose of the layers in the Timeline?Answer: Layers are an organizational device. They are used to separate graphics, animation, sound and actions on the Stage and Timeline. 8. Name some tasks accomplished through the Panels Answer: Selecting tools, changing colors, composing actions

9. If a panel disappears, how can you bring it back up?Answer: Go to the Window menu to open the panels

10. How can you save your panel layout?Answer: Choose Save Panel Layout from the Window menu

11. Name at least 3 methods for altering the view of the Stage.Answer: The Zoom tool in the Tools panel, the Hand tool, scroll bars and sliders, change the magnification at the bottom left corner of the Stage, change the view modes from the View menu, change the magnification from the View menu

Flash 1

12. What is a contextual menu and how do you access it?Answer: A contextual menu is a pop-up menu which offers several items specific to what you are clicking on. Right-click (control-click for Macintosh) on almost anything available on the screen.

13. What are Tooltips and how do you enable or disable them?Answer: Let the mouse hover over an icon in the Flash program and a tooltip will pop up to identify it. Enable or disable them by unchecking Show Tooltips in the preferences (Edit menu)

14. How do the 4 view modes that affect the quality and speed of the display in Flash? Which does the author recommend?Answer: The smoother the view, the slower the performance. The author recommends Antialias Text, which give the best appearance, if possible.

15. Name three ways in which Flash can help you to align objects.Answer: rulers, guides and grid

Multiple Choice

1. The following is a requirement for viewing Flash content: a) Macintosh Platformb) Dreamweaverc) Flash plug-ind) Ethernet or other high bandwidth connectione) all of the aboveAnswer: c 16. Which key do you press to hide the panels?b) Control-alt-p (control-option-p for Macintosh)c) Shift-pd) tabe) escAnswer: c

3. A Shockwave Flash file on the web ends with which filename extension?a) .dcrb) .htmlc) .swfd) .flaAnswer: c

4. The Zoom toola) enlarges the objectb) speed up the animationc) gives the best appearance, but displays more slowlyd) enlarges the viewAnwer: d

5. In the Timeline, a keyframea) determines which frame is active on the Stageb) marks changed views on the Stagec) indicates the frame rated) zooms in on the objectAnswer:b

Flash 2

True/False

1. The Timeline is where you draw, create and position artwork.Answer: F

2. All of the menu items are repeated in other options. ??Answer: F

3. Flash supports both vector images and bitmap imagesAnswer: T

4. You need to be a programmer to create animated buttons in FlashAnswer: F

5. Flash is appropriate for a mainstream site such as Yahoo.com or CNN.comAnswer: F

CHAPTER 2

Short Answer

1. Briefly describe what each of the 4 Movie Properties available under the Modify menu (Document Properties in Flash MX) allows you to do?Answer: The frame rate allows you to designate frames per second (fps). With dimensions you can specify the width and height of the Stage. Click on background color to pick a color that will show behind all objects on the Stage. Go to ruler units to choose how you measure objects in that movie.

2. What should you take into consideration when choosing a frame rate?Answer: a higher frame rate allows for smoother animation, a lower frame rate tends to create smaller file sizes, some rates perform more consistently on different computers, and other frame rates work better with heavy-duty ActionScripts. 3. Describe what is meant by fill and stroke. Which tools do you use to create each one?Answer: The fill is the solid area inside a shape. The stroke outlines a shape. The Brush tool creates fill shapes, and the Pencil tool creates strokes. The Pen tool can create shapes with both a stroke and a fill. The Oval and Rectangle tools create strokes and fills. The Ink Bottle tool can create a stroke for a fill shape; the Paint Bucket tool can create a fill for a stroked shape.

4. When using the Pencil tool, why would you use the straighten mode over the ink mode?Answer: In the straighten mode, you can draw perfectly straight lines and geometric shapes, but ink lines are only as straight as your hand is steady.

17. What does the Brush tool allow you to do that the Pencil tool does not? Be sure to describe the Brush modes.

Answer: With the Brush tool you can create a solid shape (a fill), whereas the Pencil tool can only create a line of consistent thickness (a stroke). The Brush modes allow you to modify how the brush paints: Paint Inside to stay in the lines, Paint Behind to keep from covering up other colors; Paint Fills to leave alone any strokes.

6. What is the difference between the Ink bottle and the Paint Bucket?Answer: The Ink Bottle adds a stroke or changes a stroke. The Paint Bucket adds or changes a fill shape.

7. Name at least 4 attributes of a Flash object.Answer: Size, position, color, alpha, and shape

Flash 3

8. What are the advantages to editing vector images as opposed to bitmap ones?Answer: You can click on an object and move, copy, recolor and change the shape. You don’t have to carefully select each pixel, and you don’t have to manipulate each pixel separately.

9. How do you select multiple objects with the Arrow tool?Answer: Hold down the shift key while clicking on the objects. Or click down and drag diagonally to draw a marquee that selects an area.

10. Which tool allows you to reshape part of an object by selecting points and handles? What does the icon look like?Answer: The Subselect tool. It looks like a hollow arrow.

11. What is the general purpose of the transform, info and align panels?Answer: You can modify or transform selected objects on the Stage. The functions are similar to the Arrow tool options, but more accurate.

12. Name 4 methods for selecting color in Flash.Answer: Select the swatches on the Tool panel, use the Mixer and Swatches panels, use the Fill and Stroke panels, use the Dropper tool

13 Why use layers? Give at least 4 reasons.Answer: To make one object appear in front of another, to distinguish different elements on the Stage, to animate a specific object on the Stage, to prevent one graphic object from merging with or cutting into each other, to organize elements for easier editing, to separate frame actions, labels, or sound from the other elements in the movie

14. How do you select, remove or recolor any part of a bitmap image?Answer: Select the object, go to the Modify menu, select Break Apart

15. In which formats should you save bitmapped images in an image-editing program to export? Which type of images are appropriate for each?Answer: JPEG (scanned photographs or drawings), GIF( graphic artwork), also PNG

Multiple Choice

1. Which tool is used for selecting, reshaping, moving and deleting objects?a) hand toolb) lasso toolc) arrow toold) pen toolAnswer: c

2. The Pen toola) creates Bezier curvesb) creates paths with points and handlesc) is also a tool in Macromedia Freehand and Adobe Illustratord) all of the aboveAnswer: d

3. Which key, in combination with the Oval and Rectangle tools, allows you to create circles and squares?a) alt (option for Macintosh)b) shiftc) tab

Flash 4

d) controlAnswer: b

4. Which tool allows you to select a color from any existing object on the Stage and apply it to another obect?a) The Transform toolb) The Lasso toolc) The Ink Bottled) The Dropper toolAnswer: d

18. In which format should you save an image created in Macromedia Freehand or Adobe Illustrator? a) epsb) tiffc) swfd) jpegAnswer: c

True/False

1. The top layer in the Timeline will appear as the bottom layer in the StageAnswer: F

2. If you place a new object over another object of the same color, they merge into a single shapeAnswer: T

3. You cannot switch between the Brush took and the Pen tool to create a single shape or object.Answer: F

4. The Paint Bucket works only with a closed shape.Answer: T

5. Flash allows you to work with any font on your computer.Answer: T

CHAPTER 3

Short Answer 1. What is the purpose of a keyframe? How is it represented on the timeline? Answer: A keyframe is used to designate change, or to create animation. Keyframes are also the places where you specify attributes such as animation tweening, scripting, and sounds. They are represented by solid dots or hollow dots. The hollow dot indicates a blank keyframe.

2. How do you add more time to a Flash movie in the Timeline?Answer: Add standard frames before or after keyframes. Go to the Insert/Frame command. 3. What is a Frame-by-Frame animation?Answer: When you create a separate keyframe and reposition artwork on the Stage for each tick of the Timeline.

4. Explain the difference between a symbol and a symbol instance.Answer: A symbol is stored in the Library and you place one or more instances of a symbol on the Stage. After a symbol instance is placed on the Stage, you can alter the position, size, rotation, or apply an

Flash 5

effect. This will not affect the original symbol or any other instances of it. If you edit the original symbol, every instance will be updated.

5. Describe two methods for creating symbols? Answer: Create some artwork on the Stage, select it, and chose the Insert/Convert to Symbol command. You can create a new symbol from scratch by choosing the Insert/New Symbol command, which will give you a blank Stage and Timeline for composing the Symbol.

6. List the three symbol behaviors.Answer: The three symbol behaviors are graphic behavior, button behavior, movie clip behavior

7. What is a Motion Tween animation and what can you do with it? Answer: A Motion Tween animation supplies the frames in between keyframes. It automatically applies the differences in position incrementally to the standard frames between the two keyframes. When played, you see a smooth motion. Besides position, you can change size, rotation, color and transparency.

8. Explain the concept of a “nested symbol” and give an example.Answer: A nested symbol is a symbol which contains instances of other symbols. For example, a button could contain a movie clip symbol. When you click on a button of a bird, the wings could move.

9. How do you modify a symbol instance?Answer: You can scale or rotate a symbol instance on the Stage. You can apply a Transform option under the Modify menu. You can change properties with the Effect panel. For a Motion Tween, you can use the Frame Panel Options.

10. What is the purpose of a Shape Tween?Answer: A Shape Tween animates non-symbol, ungrouped objects. It morphs the shape from the first keyframe into the shape in the second keyframe.

11. How do you play your animation? Answer: When you hit the Enter key, the movie will play from whichever frame is active in the Timeline. When you hit Enter again, the movie will play from the beginning. You can also drag the Playhead back and forth, use the Controller window, and the Control menu. “Test Movie” opens a SWF file in a new window.

12. How can you control a Shape Tween?Answer: A shape hint instructs Flash that the point on the object at hint A in the first keyframe should match the point at hint A on the second keyframe. Choose the Modify/Transform/Add Shape Hint command (in Flash MX: Modify/Shape/Add Shape Hint).

13. How do you create a curved path for a Motion Tween?Answer: Set up a Motion Guide on a Guide Layer. Then draw a line with the Pencil or Pen tool, which will be the animation path. Align the symbol instances at the start and end of the motion tween to that path.

14. What is the function of a Mask Layer?Answer: A mask layer can hide and reveal selected areas of other layers. As you add multiple layers to the Flash movie, you can use a mask layer to control how they are combined. Confine a bitmap image or any object to a specific shape or area.

15. What is the function of the Library?Answer: The library is a repository for all of the assets of a movie: symbols, imported bitmap images, sounds. When you are creating a Flash movie, you place instances of these assets on the Stage.

Flash 6

Multiple Choice1. A dashed line in the timeline indicates:a) A Motion Tweenb) A Shape Tweenc) A problemd) Standard Framese) keyframesAnswer: c 2. How do you convert a symbol to an object?a) Modify/break apartb) Enter Keyc) Place it in the Libraryd) Create a Shape TweenAnswer: a

3. An animated symbol, such as a spinning ball, is an example ofa) keyframeb) shape tweenc) graphic symbold) movie clip symbolAnswer: d

4. What is the best method for creating a fade-ina) nested symbolsb) Shape Tweenc) Motion Tweend) Modify/Break ApartAnswer: c

5. Easing means:a) accelerates or decelerates the animationb) fade-in or fade-outc) gradual increase or decrease in sized) all of the aboveAnswer: a

True/False

1. You can add a Motion Tween to a mask layer.Answer: T

2. Guide layers may be invisible in the final Flash Movie.Answer: T

3. A Frame-by-Frame animation is more efficient than a Motion Tween and creates smoother transitionsAnswer: F

4. You must use a symbol instance to create a Motion Tween.Answer: T

5. Adding multiple scenes is a requirement for a successful Flash Movie.Answer: F

Flash 7

Flash 8

CHAPTER 4

Short Answer

1. What are 2 ways to trigger an action? Briefly describe each. Answer: An action can be triggered by movie events and user events. A movie event is triggered automatically by the movie, such as when it reaches a particular frame. A user event, such as a mouse click, is usually assigned to a button.

2. Where do you create the actions? Answer: All actions are created in the Actions panel.

3. How do you add a Frame action? Where does the author suggest that you add it? Answer: Add them to a separate layer to the movie. Select the first keyframe. With that keyframe selected, choose an action from the Actions panel by clicking on the plus button.

4. When would you want to put a Stop action at the beginning of a movie?Answer: When you want to add a button with an action to begin the movie

5. How do you keep a movie from repeating endlessly? Answer: Add a keyframe with a Stop action to the last frame of a movie.

6. Why is the button symbol unique? Answer: A button symbol has a specific four-frame Timeline. The four frames help you create a button that responds visually to the mouse.

2. How do you create a new button symbol from scratch? Answer: Start with the Insert/New Symbol command and select Button Behavior for the new symbol. You will see a blank stage with four frames. Start with the Up frame and insert the other frames. You may add as many layers as you wish.

8. What are some methods to make your button appear clickable?Answer: You can make it appear three-dimensional, or add a small icon with an arrow or forward-pointing triangle.

9. How do you preview a button on the Stage? Answer: Go to Control/Enable Simple Buttons. 10. What is a mouse event? List at least 5 mouse events.A mouse event is the how the viewer uses the mouse to trigger a button action. Mouse events are: press, release, release outside, key press, roll over, roll out, drag over, drag out.

11. How do you add button behavior to an instance of a graphic symbol? Answer: Change a single instance from the Behavior menu on the Instance Panel (Properties Inspector in Flash MX).

12. How do you name a frame?Answer: Type in the Label field of the Frame panel (Properties Inspector for Flash MX)

13. What is the function of the Load Movie action? Answer: You can break up a large Flash movie into smaller pieces. You can create soundtrack and navigational components as their own movie and load them into the main movie.

14. How can symbol nesting be used in a button symbol?Answer: You can place an instance of a graphic symbol for each of the four button states, and modify

Flash 9

each instance from the Effects panel (Properties Inspector in Flash MX). Or you can place an animated movie clip symbol in the Over frame.

15.What is the purpose of Tell Target?Answer: It tells the target symbol instance or movie what to do. For example, it can make an animation or sound stop or start.

Multiple Choice

1. The scripting or programming language specific to Flash isa) ActionScriptb) JavaScriptc) Javad) LingoAnswer: a

2. Through Basic Actions, you can a) break up b) stop a moviec) play a movied) open a URLe) all of the aboveAnswer: e 11. The 4 states of a button symbol are:a) Up, Over, Down, Hitb) Up, Out, Down, Hitc) Press, Release, Over, Downd) Roll Over, Roll Out, Drag Over, Drag OutAnswer: a

4. A small letter “a” in the Timeline indicatesa) an object actionb) a frame actionc) a mouse eventd) endless loopingAnswer: b

5. Press, release, release outside, key press, and rollover are examples ofa) nested symbolsb) frame actionsc) mouse eventsd) all of the aboveAnswer: c

True/False

1. Button behavior can be applied to any symbol. Answer: T

2. A button symbol must include 4 states. Answer: F

Flash 10

3. A frame action cannot be coupled with an object action.Answer: F

4. A button which animates as you mouse over includes a movie clipAnswer: T

5. Incremental testing can cause problems with your Flash movie. Answer: F

CHAPTER 5

Short Answer

1. How do you import a sound into Flash? Answer: You can use the File>Import command, the same as for a bitmap image. You can also use a sound from another Flash file or library. After you open the other file or library (File>Open as Library), drag a sound file from that library to the library of the Flash file you are working on.

2. How do you set the compression properties of an individual sound?Answer: To set the compression properties of a sound, double-click on it in the library.

3. How do you play a sound in a movie? Answer: You must assign an instance of it to the Timeline. Select a keyframe and apply a sound from the Sound panel (Properties Inspector in Flash MX). At the top of the Sound panel is a pop-up menu with the name of every sound in the current library. Choose a sound from that menu. You can also drag a sound directly from the library to a keyframe on the Timeline.

4. Where on the timeline should you place a sound?Answer: It is best to place sound in a separate layer dedicated only to sounds. Assign a sound to any keyframe.

5. How do change the volume of a sound, make it repeat (loop) and specify how the sound will be triggered? Answer: Go to the Sound Panel (Properties Inspector in Flash MX)

6. What is the difference between a Stream sound and an Event sound? Answer: A Stream sound is broken up into frame-sized pieces. Rather than waiting for an entire sound to download, each frame plays on its own. An Event sound must download first before it can play.

e) How do you reveal the waveform of the sound? Answer: In the Sound Panel (Properties Inspector for Flash MX), choose the Custom option, or click on the effects button.

8. What does “sync” mean?Answer: The Sync of a sound determines how it is triggered.

9. How can you set the default compression of all your sounds at once?Answer: From the File>Publish Settings. The settings for Audio Events will apply to all sounds for a file except imported MP3 files. Check the “Override sound settings” option there to override the compression of every sound regardless of any individual settings. 10. In optimizing sound, which 2 factors must be considered? Why?Answer: Compression Vs Quality. More compression reduces the file size, but also lowers quality.

Flash 11

11. When do you use ADPCM Compression? Answer: ADPCM Compression is recommended for short sound effects, and for Flash movies compatible for Flash players (plug-ins) earlier than Flash 4.

12. How do you optimize an MP3 sound?Answer: Start with 16 kbps as the Bit Rate and Fast as the Quality. Test the sounds and adjust the bit rate until you fine an ideal setting. Leave the Quality set to Fast Compression, which is appropriate for most Web Projects. Always leave Convert Stereo to Mono Checked.

13. How do you add Sound to a button? Answer: To add a sound effect to a button symbol, add a separate layer for sounds. Insert one keyframe to the Over frame of that layer, and another to the Down Frame. Then, assign a sound to each keyframe.

14. How would you cause complete silence to occur in a movie?Answer: Add a “Stop all Sounds” action to a keyframe.

15. Name at least 4 ways to optimize sound content in a Flash movie.Answer: Some methods for optimizing sound are: re-use the same sound in different places, loop shorter sounds in place of importing longer sounds, compress sounds as much as they can stand without distorting them too much, simplify each sounds and remove extraneous noise in a sound-editing program, try to pick out smaller sounds when you import them, use an If Frame is Loaded action to ensure that an event sound is loaded before it should play.

Multiple Choice

1. To a sound in the library you cana) apply actionsb) create a new soundc) change its compressiond) adjust the playback volumeAnswer: c

2. In the Sound panel you cana) specify how the sound is triggeredb) shorten the duration of a soundc) add the sound to a buttond) all of the aboveAnswer: a 3.An Event sounda) Is broken up into frame sized piecesb)Must download first before it can playc)Is used to synchronize a sound with the motion of an animated characterd)Cannot be triggered more than onceAnswer: b

4. Which sound compression usually results in relatively better sound quality and smaller file sizes. a) AIFFb) MP3c) WAVd) ADPCMAnswer: b

5. In a Flash movie, soundsa) are essential for the movie to be compelling

Flash 12

b) are treated much differently from graphics c) can add the most weight to your file sized) all of the aboveAnswer: c

True/False

1. Sound can be added to a web page through Flash, but you must use at least one graphic image. Answer: F

2. Through the Sound panel (Properties Inspector in Flash MX), you can create new sounds and edit imported ones.

Answer: F

3. The settings in the Sound panel only affect the playback of the sound; they do not alter the original sound file.Answer: T

4. Use the stream sync only when you need a sound to synchronize with the Timeline or for larger sounds that will play only once.Answer: T

5. If you import and MP3 sound, Flash will retain its compression by default.Answer: T

Chapter 6

Short Answer

1. What is meant by the term “bandwidth?”Answer: It is often used as a synonym for file size. More specifically, it’s the amount of information that transmits to a Web browser over time.

2. Which two features of Flash can help you keep filesize to a minimum? How can you use them to their best advantage?Answer: Symbols and keyframes. Several symbol instances in a movie add much less to file size than separate non-symbol objects. Reuse symbol components as much as possible instead of creating new ones. Use few keyframes with few changes. Use keyframes with fewer or smaller objects. Use multiple layers to separate the moving parts of an animation from the static parts that don’t change.

3. Which two types of objects in Flash can greatly add to file size? Answer: Bitmap images and sounds.

4. How can you optimize vector graphics?Answer: Remove stray lines and shapes, create an image with few corners and little or no intricate details. Use Modify/Optimize to streamline a selected vector object.

5. Give at least 6 aspects of a Flash movie which can cause rendering problems:Answer: Gradients (radial gradients are worse), alpha transparency effect, masks, intricate vector artwork, large bitmap images, long blocks of text, layering or animating any of the above, a movie with very large dimensions, complex ActionScript

6. How can you optimize Flash’s streaming capability?

Flash 13

Answer: Set up the beginning of your movie with no sounds or large images. The movie should start with lightweight distractions. A Stop action halts the play of the movie while a user makes a choice, but the movie continues to invisible download. Text may introduce or explain the Flash movie. A very streamlined animation at the beginning will allow a large sound or bitmap image in a later frame to load in the background.

f) How do you find the frame where you have placed a symbol instance in a Flash movie? Answer: Use the Movie Explorer.

8. Where do you find the Bandwidth Profiler? Describe its function.Answer: The Bandwidth Profiler is in the Control>Test Movie window. It analyzes how a movie would download and play on the Web. It provides detailed file-size information about the SWF file, and allows you to simulate how it streams.

9. What are at least 4 ways of fixing bottlenecks?Answer: Streamline the graphics, symbols, and sounds and use a few as possible, simplify the frames with the largest gray bars in the Bandwidth Profiler, especially the ones that rise above the red line, change the compression settings for the entire movie or for the largest images and sounds, reorder content or extend the first part of the movie, pace the download by distributing the images and sounds more evenly throughout the movie, place larger files at the end, add a loading sequence at the beginning. 10. When do you use the If Frame is Loaded Action?Answer: When there are bottlenecks and when there is too much to download in a single frame. If your movie is just too large to play smoothly otherwise, you can pre-load some of it.

11. What is happening to the If Frame is Loaded action in future versions of Flash (after Flash MX? Answer: It is being deprecated, which means that future versions of Flash may not support it. It’s possible that the action may not work with future versions of the Flash browser plug-in.

12. What feature allows you to export a SWF file, create HTML to embed the file, and create a QuickTime movie from the file?Answer: The Publish Feature

13. What is the difference between the Flash Only HTML Template and Ad Banner 5 (Detect for Flash 5 in Flash MX)?Answer: Flash Only creates the basic HTML code to embed a Flash movie for all browsers that have the plug-in installed. Someone without a plug-in will get a warning message and see a broken icon instead. Those with an older plug-in may see a blank area or a movie which doesn’t function correctly. The Ad 5 Banner template will generate a Web page that uses JavaScript to detect for a Flash 5 plug-in. Those who don’t have the plug-in will see a bitmap image instead.

14. What is the purpose of saving as a Macintosh or Windows Projector? When would you use this format?Answer: It will export a self-playing movie that doesn’t require the Flash plug-in. It is an ideal way to distribute your work on a disk. You could create a multimedia portfolio with this option and save it on a CD-ROM disk.

15. Give an example of an instance in which you would want to accommodate older plug-ins, and one in which you would want to require the latest plug-in.Answer: For an experimental art site or a cutting-edge entertainment site, it would be appropriate to use all of the latest Flash feature and require the latest plug-in. For a main-stream putpose like an ad banner it would work better if compatible with Flash 3 (or 4) plug-in.

Multiple Choice1. How would you decrease the file size of your Flash file?a) use many keyframes

Flash 14

b) reduce the amount of symbols and use symbol instancesc) use bitmap images instead of vector imagesd) add soundse) all of the aboveAnswer: b

2. In which situation would you want an exceptionally small Flash file?a) an ad bannerb) a greeting cardc) a CD-ROM portfoliod) an experimental art Web siteAnswer: a 5. Which of the following can help to speed up rendering?a) use alpha transparencyb) use masksc) minimize or eliminate radial gradientsd) layering long blocks of textAnswer: c

4. Where can you simulate how the movie would play when downloaded on a 56k modem? a) Actions panelb) The Movie Explorerc) Publish Settingsd) Bandwidth ProfilerAnswer: d

5.If you publish using the HTML format Flash Only, the user might seea) A broken iconb) A movie which doesn’t work correctlyc) A movie which works perfectlyd) All of the aboveAnswer: d

True/False

1. It’s better to compress a bitmap image outside of Flash in a program such as Adobe ImageReady or Macromedia Fireworks.Answer: T

2. A Flash file can play while it is still downloading.Answer: T

3. You will need access to a program such as Dreamweaver or GoLive to integrate Flash into a web pageAnswer: F

4. Testing Flash is not as rigorous as testing an HTML page.Answer: T

5. All versions of Flash will support MP3 sounds.Answer: F

Flash 15

CHAPTER 7

Short Answer

1. What are the advantages to using ActionScript in Flash?Answer: ActionScript gives designers access to creating behaviors with Flash that previously were the domain of hard cores programmers who were trained in languages such as Java and C++. Even though you may find ActionScript challenging to l earn at first, it is much easier than those languages. Plus, the Flash program has built-in features to help you.

2. Explain the term “object oriented” as it applies to ActionScript.Answer: ActionScript refers to everything as an object: text, sounds, symbol instances, even the movie itself. These objects have their own names and hierarchies which identify them.

3. What are “properties” and “methods?” Give an example of each. Answer: Each object has specific properties and methods that give it characteristics and behaviors. The color property of a ball may be red, and a movie clip’s method can make it play.

4. In the Actions panel, how is Expert mode different than Normal mode? How do you make Expert mode the default for all actions?Answer: The Expert mode allows you to type freely within the text pane, giving you infinite control over authoring actions. To set this mode as the default, change this setting in Edit>Preferences (in Flash MX, change it directly from the panel options).

5. Define “syntax” and give an example.Answer: Syntax is like grammar. It is the rules for formatting code. For example, The tellTarget( ) action requires parentheses.

6. What is an “event handler?”Answer: This determines what will trigger an action. When the mouse releases over the button (after it clicks down), an action contained by an on(release) event handler will execute.

g) List at least two of the properties you can change with setProperty( )?Answer: alpha value (transparency), position, width, height, rotation

8. What is the trace( ) function used for?Answer: It displays words and values in the Output window during testing It is used for debugging your work.

9. Explain the difference between getProperty ( ) and setProperty( ).Answer: getProperty() is used to just retrieve the current value of an object’s property rather than change it. 10. What is the significance of dot syntax? Answer: It allows you to directly access an object’s properties or methods. It’s a shorter way to write scripts and is closer to true object-oriented programming. It uses dots to specify the path to an object.

11. What is a conditional statement? Give an example of a common one and describe how it works.Answer: A conditional statement is a gatekeeper to a function. An if statement is the most common. When a condition is met, the code contained by the if statement, a function or other script is executed. If a condition is not met, that code is ignored.

12. Explain the function of a variable. What are the two steps to defining a variable?Answer: Variables are storage containers for numerical values, names, properties and other types of information. Once information is stored in a variable, a script can later retrieve, change, or apply it. The two steps to defining a variable are to declare the variable and assign a value to it.

Flash 16

13. What is an operator and what does it do? Give 3 examples of operators.Answer: An operator is a symbol character that can combine expressions in various ways. Each one has predetermined roles for changing, specifying, or comparing the values of variables and properties. =, ==, +, +=, >, <= are all examples of operators.

14. Give a suggestion on writing clear error-free code:Answer: Create a separate Actions layer; start simple and then add complexity; use white space; comment your code

15. List some strategies for debugging your work?Answer: Check your work with the Actions panel (check Syntax command); show your code to a friend; test the movie; use the trace( ) function.

Multiple Choice

1. An example of a property of an object is:a) alpha value (transparency)b) trace( )c) if statementd) dot syntax Answer: a

2. To where does a symbol align?a) its x and y axisb) the edgec) the centerd) the registration pointAnswer: d 5. play ( ) is an example ofa) a propertyb) an objectc) a functiond) a conditionalAnswer: c

4. Which of the following is a correct variable name? a) white_dog1c) white dogd) white-dog d)1white_dogAnswer: a

1. Which of the following is an operator?2. ( )3. =4. the else if statement5. All of the aboveAnswer: b

True/False

Flash 17

1. ActionScript is case sensitive.Answer: T

2. A function must be followed by two parentheses, sometimes containing parameters. Answer: T

3. A variable allows you to set requirements for an action.Answer: F

4. In ActionScript, extra returns, indents, and spaces between elements can change the behavior of your script. Answer: F

5. Commented ActionScript will display a message in the Output window when tested.Answer: F

CHAPTER 8

Short Answer

1. Give at least 4 reasons for using Flash.Answer: Flash is easy to use because it allows precise control; it can create fast-loading files; it is vector-based; it creates rich and sophisticated interactivity; it is a standard; it generally not-browser dependent.

2. Give at least 4 reasons not to use Flash.Answer: It requires the proper plug-in; text isn’t searchable; text can’t be resized; long passages of text must be in a scrolling window; and bookmarks and back-buttons of browsers are problematic.

3. How would you ensure usability for a major Web site and for a small project? Answer: Involve your audience (users). A major web site can involve scientific research and controlled user tests. These tests include screening potential users, placing them in a controlled environment with a computer, and assigning them specific tasks to test your project. A small site may involve following design guidelines, getting feedback from colleagues and friends, and running informal user testing.

4. In creating a user profile, what are some examples of the demographics that can be compiled?Answer: Age, gender, profession and interests

5. What can be gained from working with a client?Answer: Because they are users, they can give insight for the usability of the site. They may have invested time and money into market research to understand how to reach a customer base, They may have valuable ideas concerning the site.

6. What are the benefits of creating the project in iterations, or small stages?Answer: It frees you from having to get everything exactly right on the first try and gives you room to make changes more easily later on. You can make revisions based on feedback from potential users, and discoveries you have made along the way

7. Describe the stages of a workflow for a Flash Project.Answer: First, consider purpose and scope of project and sketch out initial designs and ideas. Evaluate and revise these ideas. Then design and develop the movie in Flash. Test with Bandwidth Profiler, evaluate and revise, Publish SWF and HTML files, and view the movie in Web browser. Evaluate and revise and test with users and peers. Revise again. FTP the files to the Internet. Lastly, evaluate the movie on the Internet. Revise and FTP again as necessary.

Flash 18

8. What does a prototype or mockup of your project consist of?Answer: It is basically a working sketch, the framework for building the movie. It includes the basic infrastructure, and can consist of one section only, if the project is long. It is not necessary to include every interaction, graphic and sound.

e) From whom should you seek feedback on your project?Answer: The client, users and peers

10. When are you ready to link to your Flash project, and publicize it?Answer: After you have tested it “live” on a variety of browsers, computers and Internet connections

11. What are some problems with opening a Flash site on the Web in a pop-up window?Answer: Pop-up windows are often mistaken for advertising. They can confuse users and clutter the computer desktop when overused,

12. List at least 5 design and usability strategies for working with Flash.Answer: Divide the project into separate SWF files and unique URLs; provide clear navigation; create an interface that makes sense to your users; use the print( ) function, check to see how the movie will fit in the rest of the Web age; test streaming; use plug-in detection; avoid lengthy animated introductions; avoid pop-up windows; provide an HTML alternative for information Flash sites; give user control.

13. Give at least one reason for using Flash aside from enhancing Web sites.Answer: You can use Flash for specialized Web-based interfaces in a confined area, such as hand-held computers using Pocket PC software. You can create full-feature Web-based applications with a Web server, such as e-mail services, online organizers, interactive shopping cars, reservations systems, chat utilities. You can combine it with QuickTime to add interactivity to a QuickTime movie.

14. In general, how would you create 3D animation in Flash?Answer: Flash doesn’t support 3D animation, and can’t turn objects in three-dimensional space. In Swift 3D, you can create the 3D animation and export it as a SWF file. Swift 3D emulates the dimensional effect with a series of frame-by-frame drawing, which is much less efficient than tweening symbols.

15. List at least 4 ways to expand your Flash skills.Answer: Practice, collaborate, join online communities, consult resources, use good practices, never be afraid to try something new, do some planning, but don’t be afraid to change course.

Multiple Choice

1. A major advantage of the Flash program is:a) Flash is browser-dependentb) Users can easily resize textc) the correct plug-in is on every computerd) A well-designed Flash file can load quickly.Answer: d

2. Use the getURL() function to:a) divide a complex project into separate partsb) allow use of the Web browser’s back buttonc) allow bookmarksd) all of the aboveAnswer: d 3. Adobe LiveMotion a) creates SWF files

Flash 19

b) creates 3D animation for Flashc) shares work files with Flashd) only applies special effects to Flash contentAnswer: a

4. Flash is a probably a good choice for:a) a news siteb) a search enginec) an entertainment sited) searching through long passages of textAnswer: c

5.When do you consider the audience?a)When the site is finishedb)When the site is live, but not linkedc)After the prototype is made, and when the site is lived)During the entire design processAnswer: d

True/False

1. It is a good idea to give users a choice between an “HTML site” and a “Flash site.”Answer: F

2. The Web browser’s back button may take the user out of the Flash movie, and even to another Web site.Answer: T

3. For any Web site, 50% Flash, 50% HTML is a good proportion.Answer: F

4. If you are serious about creating character animation or Flash cartons, consider using Toon Boom Studio.Answer:T

5. It is best to nail down the final design for the entire project before you begin to work.Answer: F

Flash 20