TechNote (Archived)

Using Xtras in Director: An overview

Xtras are software components that extend the functionality of Director projectors and Shockwave movies. Some Xtras are used just while working in Director, while other Xtras are needed at run-time (during playback). Most Xtras are platform specific. Windows specific Xtras have the extension X32. Macintosh Xtras do not have an extension. For a list of each Xtra and what it does, seeDirector Xtras Functionality (TechNote 16076). Xtras are created by Macromedia and by third-party developers. Xtras developed by Macromedia are placed in Director's Xtras folder when the Director application is installed. Third-party Xtras are created by companies outside of Macromedia and are available from a variety of sources (see below).

Using Macromedia Xtras in a Projector

Most Macromedia Xtras are automatically added to the Xtras list when needed. For example, when a QuickTime video is imported into a Director movie, the QT6 Asset Xtra is automatically added to the Xtras list.

To view the list of Xtras included in a movie, choose Modify> Movie > Xtras. The Movie Xtras dialog box, shown below, opens and displays the current Xtras included in the movie. For each Xtra in the list, the Include In Projector option can be selected. This indicates whether or not the selected Xtras is packaged within the projector file. By default, this option is selected for each Xtra in the list. This option only applies to Projectors, and not Shockwave movies.

Packaging Xtras

Xtras can be included with a projector in one of two ways: they can be packaged inside of the projector itself, or they can reside in a external folder outside the projector. The folder containing the Xtras must be named Xtras. When using an external Xtras folder, the Include in Projector option should not be selected.

One advantage of using an external Xtras folder is that the projector file is generally smaller and launches faster. Refer toHow to create a fast-start Director stub projector (TechNote 14431) for more information on packaging Xtras in an external folder.

Using Macromedia Xtras in Shockwave movies

The Shockwave Player installer includes many of the most commonly used Xtras. These Xtras are listed in Xtras installed with Shockwave Player (TechNote 14889). Xtras not included with the Shockwave player must be installed in a user's system before the movie plays. To ensure that the Xtras necessary to play a Shockwave movie will be available, select the Download if Needed option in the Movie Xtras dialog box (see illustration above) for each Xtra in the Xtras list.

Note: An Internet connection must be present when selecting this option. The reason is that Director downloads the version and location information of the Xtra(s) and stores it in the Director file.

When a Shockwave movie is loaded into the Shockwave Player, it checks if all the required Xtras are installed on the user's system. If any are missing, the Xtra will be downloaded automatically from one of Macromedia's secure servers, Once downloaded, the movie will begin and those Xtras will not need to be downloaded again. The Download if Needed option only applies to Shockwave movies, not projectors. Only Xtras that have been labeled as "Shockwave safe" can be downloaded in this manner. For more information Shockwave Xtra downloading and security, seeXtras downloading overview (TechNote 14726).

Third-party Xtras

Third-party Xtras are not manufactured by Macromedia and are not installed with Director. They should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If you require technical support for a third-party Xtra, contact the manufacturer of the Xtra. Macromedia does not provide technical support for third-party Xtras. Refer toThe Director Exchange and Updatestage.com for more information about available Xtras.