TechNote

Importing vector and EPS files into Director

Director supports a wide variety of graphic formats. Vector graphics are supported as native vector shapes (#vectorShape) or as Flash SWF files. Vector shapes are created in Director using the Vector tool. Often, developers need to import art created in an illustration application such as Macromedia FreeHand, Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. However, EPS, AI, FH9 and CDR file formats are not natively supported in Director and cannot be imported without the use of an Xtra or plug-in.

It is possible to save artwork created in Macromedia FreeHand as a SWF file, which can then be imported into Director. For Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW users this can also be accomplished using the Macromedia FlashWriter plug-in for Adobe Illustrator or the CorelDRAW Exporter. These plug-ins are available for free download at the Flash Download Center for registered users of Illustrator and CorelDRAW.

EPS files may also be imported into Director using a third-party Xtra. The PS2VS Xtra from Moshofsky/Plant Creative Services for Director 7 and 8 works on both Macintosh and Windows operating systems. The Xtra can be downloaded from the Moshofsky/Plant PS2VS Web page. The current version converts Adobe Illustrator (EPS and AI files) and Macromedia FreeHand EPS files to Director 8 #vectorShapes.

Note:The PS2VS Xtra is a third-party product and is NOT supported by Macromedia or Macromedia Technical Support.