Amazon.co.uk Review
I am as fond of Macromedia Flash as just about any tool, and I feel pretty much the same about Peachpit's Visual QuickStart Guides, so the idea of a Visual QuickStart Guide about Flash 5 makes me weak in the knees. Well, maybe that's overstating it, but in truth
Macromedia Flash 5 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide combines a successful book style with a talented and experienced writer to deliver a nearly painless learning experience.
Over the course of 16 chapters, we start at ground zero--understanding Flash basics, using the Flash editor, getting around the interface--and quickly work our way up through simple graphics, complex graphics on one layer, complex graphics on multiple layers, using object libraries and on through using different kinds of animation (motion tweening vs. shape tweening) to the animation of whole scenes.
Both this book and Flash start to really shine in chapter 12 and up, when we begin learning how to use Flash 5 to create interactive actions. Adding sound is a big part of that, and this topic gets its own chapter. Finally, chapter 16 is all about delivery, covering subjects like optimising the Flash movie, creating the necessary HTML code, and exporting a Flash movie to other formats.
Macromedia Flash 5 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide is a vital learning tool for anyone who wants to create content using Flash. No other title can get you up the learning curve more quickly. --Mike Caputo
Review
The author handles the technical aspects of teaching the program with consummate skill. Read it sequentially to learn each technique then dip into it when you need help."Computer Arts - Flash Special, Issue 18
