TechNote (Archived)

How to create scrolling text in Macromedia Flash 4

Introduction
There are several actions and features in Macromedia Flash 4 that make it possible to create scrolling text. This TechNote outlines a simple method to create scrolling text using the scroll text field property. These techniques will also work in Macromedia Flash 5. To create scrolling text in Macromedia Flash MX see How to create scrolling text in Flash MX (TechNote 16142).

To create a scrolling text field do the following:

1Â	Choose File > New.
2Â	Select the text tool. Click the Text Field modifier button in the tool bar to make the text field editable. Create a text field by dragging the cursor on the stage. Note:Â The text field must be editable in order to use the scroll property.
3Â	With the text field selected, choose Modify > Text field.

4Â	Enter `text` as the variable name. Select "Multiline" and "Word wrap." If desired, other text field properties may also be selected.
5	Select frame one in the timeline and choose Modify > Frame. This opens the Frame Properties dialog box.
6Â	Select Actions from the Frame Properties dialog. From the "+" sign, select Set Variable.
7	Enter `text` in the Variable field in the right-hand column. This identifies the text field variable. Note: Leave the modifier set to "ABC" (String Literal).
8Â	Enter a long string of text in the Value field. For example: `Creating a scrolling text field is very simple. It is much easier than anyone would suspect. Add this skill to your Flash toolbox today! In a matter of minutes, text will scroll!` Note: Leave the modifier set to "ABC" (string literal). Also, make sure the amount of text is too large to fit in the text field so that it will be able to scroll.
9	Create arrow buttons or use buttons from the stock Flash libraries and place them on the stage next to the text field. For detailed instructions on how to create arrow buttons, see "How Do I Create a New Button?" (TechNote 4101).
10Â	Select the Up arrow button and choose Modify > Instance.
11Â	Assign the following action to the button: `On (Release) Set Variable: "text.scroll" = text.scroll - 1 End On` It is necessary to type text.scroll into the name and value fields of the Set Variable action. The scroll property is not in the Set Properties pop-up menu. Note: The variable name is set to String Literal while the variable value is set to Expression.
12Â	Select the Down arrow button and choose Modify > Instance.
13Â	Assign the following action to the button: `On (Release) Set Variable: "text.scroll" = text.scroll + 1 End On` You need to type text.scroll into the name and value fields of the Set Variable action. The scroll property is not in the Set Properties pop-up menu. Note: The variable name is set to String Literal while the variable value is set to Expression.
14Â	Choose Control > Test Movie to see the text scroll.

Additional information
For more details, please refer to page 201 of the Flash 4 Manual or search using the keyword "scroll" in the Flash 4 Help topics.