Flash 5.0 Windows

The Flash work environment has several key features. Movies consist of individual frames connected by the Timeline, where you control how frames are presented over time. Using a technique called tweening, Flash is able to generate intermediate images automatically. Flash also supports layers, which let you organise artwork into separate work areas that are presented together, like combining transparent sheets of acetate.

Flash has a toolbox that contains a range of drawing tools such as shapes, text, pens and brushes. Then there are a set of floating panels that let you transform, flip or rotate objects, add effects such as sounds, or browse libraries of symbols, buttons and other resources. You can make Flash movies interactive by creating scripts that run in response to events such as button clicks. ActionScript is similar to JavaScript, and using Flash tools you can create simple scripts without programming. ActionScript is greatly enhanced in Flash 5, making it possible to integrate Flash into web applications. The new XML object means you can manipulate and interpret XML data.

Flash 4 users will be keen to upgrade. Along with new programming features, there are Bezier drawing tools, rich text formatting with HTML, shared libraries that let you link assets between movies, and many new panels including the brilliant Movie Explorer, for navigating and modifying movie elements. In addition, the whole Flash interface has been updated in line with Macromedia's Common User Interface, to ease use for those who use more than one Macromedia product.

Flash 5 is a superb product, and currently there is no sensible alternative if you want the functionality it offers. One word of warning though: this is a professional tool and not especially user-friendly for beginners. Fortunately, it comes with plentiful online help and tutorials to speed the inevitable learning process. --Tim Anderson

Manufacturer's Description
Macromedia Flash 5 fuses the precision and flexibility of vector graphics with bitmaps, audio, animation, and advanced interactivity to create brilliant and effective Web experiences that attract and engage visitors. A designer-friendly application, Macromedia Flash 5 easily integrates with existing Web production workflow, supporting direct import from Macromedia FreeHand and Fireworks. Macromedia Flash 5 also provides powerful development tools for creating advanced Web sites and applications, including tight integration with Macromedia Generator.

New features include: