Import Images in Flash CS3

-step 18

You can import .gif and .jpg images into Flash. These are bitmap images and will most likely be a larger file size than the shapes drawn within Flash itself. This is because what you draw within Flash is a vector image and is basically a formula used by Flash to display the drawing. Vector images are smaller in size usually and can be enlarged without losing quality. Bitmap images however will get pixilated when enlarged. You can import a bitmap image and convert it to a Vector image by using the 'Trace Bitmap' option.

Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap

Continuing with the tutorial, let’s say we want to put our logo (which is a gif image) on the top right, here’s what we do.

• Make a new layer named “Logo”
  
  
• Import the image.
  
  File > Import > Import to Stage
  
  
• Find the image file on your computer, select it and import it.
  
  
• You will see logo.gif in the Library as well.
  
  
• Resize if required and position it near the top right of the stage.
  
  
• Now select it and convert it to a graphic symbol. named “Logo”.

Publish the Flash CS3 File

-step 19

You will need to publish your flash file in order to put it on your website. The source file (that you are working on) is .fla file, but the file that needs to go on you website should be a .swf file. Also you will need to ensure that you have and HTML page with the code to display the .swf file in order for browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox to be able to display the Flash file. Finally you will need to upload it to you website hosting server using an FTP software like Filezilla, to make it live.

Continuing with the tutorial, now that your animation is ready you can publish it and upload it to your website.

• File > Publish
  
  
• You will get an html file and the .swf file in the same folder where you .fla file it. The .swf file is your output file which you can upload to your website along with the html file that calls it.
  
  

That’s it! Congratulations!

[Via vineyardesigns]