You can use this free online tutorial to learn Flash CS4 Professional. If you do not have a copy of Flash CS4 Professional, you can download the trial version by clicking here, then click here to start the tutorial. If you are using Flash 8, click here for our Flash 8 tutorial.

Table of Contents

View the Movie

In this tutorial I take you step-by-step through the process of creating a Flash CS4 Professional movie. You learn how to create graphics, work with layers, and add motion, sound, and text to a movie. To begin, view the movie you will create.

Get Started

In Flash, you create your movie on the Stage. You use the Timeline to lay out the sequence of your movie. You use tools to create or modify drawings and text. This section familiarizes you with the Flash interface.

Set Document Properties

You start creating your movie by setting the Frame Rate, Dimensions, Background Color, and Ruler Units. In this section section you learn how to set these properties.

Display a Grid

A grid of horizontal and vertical lines is often helpful when drawing. In this section you learn how to display a grid.

Work with the Property Inspector

The Property inspector is one of the most frequently used panels in Flash. You use it to set the attributes of objects as you work. In this section you learn about the Property Inspector.

Work with the Rectangle Tool

You use the the Rectangle tool to create rectangles and squares. In this section you learn how to use the Rectangle tool.

Create a Symbol

In Flash, a symbol is defined as a graphic, button, or movie clip. A graphic symbol is a static image. You can use a graphic symbol to create an animation. A button symbol responds when you click the mouse, roll over it, or perform some other action. You can use a button symbol to create a button. A movie clip symbol is a static image or a piece of animation. You can turn any animation you create into a movie clip. In this section you learn how to create a symbol.

Create a Gradient

Gradients show changes or gradations in color. In this section you learn how to create a gradient.

Use a Gradient

You can use a gradient the same way you would use any other color in the Flash color box. In this section you learn how to fill a rectangle with a gradient.

Work with the Pencil Tool and the Paint Bucket Tool

In Flash, you use the Pencil tool to draw freehand shapes and the Paint Bucket tool to fill enclosed areas with color. In this section you learn how to use the Pencil and Paint Bucket tools.

Group Objects

When you have multiple objects that you want to work with as if they were one object, you group them. In this section you learn how to group objects.

Work with the Oval Tool

You use the the Oval tool to create ovals and circles. In this section you learn how to use the Oval tool.

Work with the Line Tool

You use the the Line tool to create straight lines. In this section you learn how to use the Line tool.

Import an Image

You can use pre-existing graphics in your Flash movies. Simply import them. In this section you learn how to import a graphic.

Understand Layers

Think of a layer as a transparent sheet on which you paint. You can see through each layer to the layers under it until you add color. You can add layers, delete layers, and change the position of layers. In this section, you learn about layers.

Rename a Layer

By default, Flash names your layers sequentially starting with Layer 1. You should give your layers relevant names. In this section you learn how to rename a layer.

Create a New Layer

Each layer is independent of all other layers. You can draw on each layer without affecting the other layers. In this section, you learn how to create a new layer.

Rotate an Object

You can rotate Flash objects. In this section you learn how.

Resize an Object

You can resize Flash objects. In this section you learn how.

Change the Order of Layers

Objects that are on higher layers appear to be in front of objects on lower layers. You can change the order of layers. In this section you learn how to change the order of layers.

Take an Object out of the Library

Items stored in the Library can be used at anytime. In this section you learn how to take an object out of the Library.

Work with the Free Transform Tool

You can use the Free Transform tool to change the size of an object. In this section you learn how to use the Free Transform tool.

Work with Frames

Each layer of a Flash movie is divided into frames. You can create motion by changing the placement of an object in successive frames. In this section you learn about frames.

Create a Motion Tween

You can use a motion tween to create motion. With a motion tween, you tell Flash the starting position and the ending position of an object. Flash interpolates all the positions in between. In this section you learn how to create a motion tween.

Add Sound

You can add sound to a Flash movie. In the this section you learn how.

Add ActionScript

ActionScript is a programming language you can use to send instructions to a Flash movie. In this section you are introduced to ActionScript.

Test the Movie

In this section you learn how to test your movie.

Add a Button

In Flash, you can start your movie or have some other action occur when the viewer presses a button. In this section you learn how to create a button.

Work with the Text Tool

You use the the Text tool to create text. In this section you learn how to use the Text tool.

Add a Filter

You can use filters to apply visuals effects to buttons, movie clips, and text. In this section you learn how to add a filter.

Finish Up

You finish this movie by adding a title. This section steps you through the process.