With Flash animation, you’ll be able to create websites that users can interact with. This guide on how to build a Flash website uses Adobe Flash 8 or Macromedia 8.
Required Tools and Materials
Adobe Flash 8
Computer with Mac or Windows
Click the Start button or Mac Dock to launch Flash 8.
Step 2
Make a new Flash document or open one.
Step 3
Use the control panel on the screen bottom to set the dimensions.
Step 4
Add the animation using the toolbar at the screen’s left side. You can also use the toolbar buttons to add pictures and text.
Step 5
When you are done, click File “Save as”. Save the file to a web server. Choose a name that is easy to recall.
Step 6
Next, open the File menu and select the “Publish Settings” option.
Step 7
Click the Formats tab on the pop up window. Place a check next to the .html and .swf.
Step 8
Click the File menu and choose “Publish”. This will send the page to a server.
System Requirements
To build a Flash website with Flash 8, your computer must meet the minimum system requirements. For PC users, you will need at least Intel 800 MHz Pentium III. The minimum memory needed is 258 MB of RAM. 1 GB is preferred though. The required disk space is 710 MB.
For Mac users, they will need Mac OS X version 10.2.6 or higher. The processor has to be at least 600 MHz PowerPC G3. The minimum memory requirement is 258 MB RAM. 1 GB is required if more than one app will be used. The minimum disk space is 360 MB.
In Macromedia 8, all the used pointers, icons and buttons are shown when they are utilized. You can use different kinds of fonts for your animation. But the most widely used are Arial and Times New Roman.
Tips and Warnings
Make sure the program you download is for your operating system. Macromedia Flash 8 works with Windows 2000 and Windows XP. However, there is no guarantee that the program will work with Windows Vista or Windows 7. You should visit the Adobe website to check for the latest program updates. That way, compatibility problems will not surface.
As these instructions show, it is very easy to build a Flash website. The important thing to remember is to test the animation. Before you publish, play it. Make any changes before you decide to publish it.
