TechNote (Archived)

Resources for learning Flash

Learning the basics
A thorough understanding of the basics of Macromedia Flash is an important first step before taking on more complex projects. The best places to start learning Flash are the lessons, tutorials, manuals and samples that ship with the application.

Flash lessons and tutorials
If you are new to Flash, or if you have used only a limited set of its features, start with the lessons. The lessons introduce you to the main features of Flash, letting you practice on isolated examples.

The tutorial introduces the workflow in Flash by showing you how to create a basic movie. The tutorial assumes an understanding of the topics covered in the lessons. To start the tutorial, choose Help> Using Flash and click Tutorial.

To start with the lessons, choose Help > Lessons > Introduction.

Using Flash and ActionScript Reference Guide
Using Flashcontains instructions and information for using all Flash tools and commands. It is provided as both online help and a printed book. The online help contains a variety of Flash Player movies demonstrating effects and features.

TheActionScript Reference Guide contains instructions and information on ActionScript, including writing ActionScript, creating interaction with ActionScript, and a complete ActionScript dictionary. It is provided as both online help and a printed book.

A good companion to the ActionScript Reference Guide is the articleGetting Started with ActionScript.

Sample movies
A excellent way to learn Flash is by example. Flash ships with several completed movies that demonstrate different effects and uses of Flash. To access the samples, choose Help > Samples and choose a sample movie from the pop-up menu.

Getting help, learning more
Once you're comfortable with the basics of using Flash, you may need additional assistance to achieve your goals. There are several resources that can provide you with this help.

Macromedia Flash Support Center
The first place to go for information is the Macromedia Flash Support Center, where you can browse or search the Support Center's collection of TechNotes, tutorials and articles.

Flasharticles and tutorials supplement the Using Flash manual and ActionScript Reference Guide with more in-depth information about specific topics. TechNotes provide timely information about issues and problems users may be experiencing using Flash, as well as FAQs and step-by-step instructions for common animation and scripting tasks. Both often feature sample files you can download.

To search for TechNotes about a particular question or issue, use the Search feature at the bottom of the Macromedia Flash Support Center or the Power Search.

Online Forums
Often the best resource for scripting and design questions, from beginner to advanced, is the knowledgeable and helpful community of Flash users. The Flash Online Forums are where many Flash designers and developers meet to ask and answer questions. If you're new to using the Online Forums, read Using Macromedia Online Forums before posting your question.

An FAQ of "How do I...?" questions is posted regularly to the Flash Forums and archived at groups.google.com. You can find it by searching Find it by searching for "Flash New Here?" at that address. This FAQ addresses the most frequently asked questions in the Flash Online Forum.

Training: Instructor-led and self-paced
Both instructor-led and self-paced training is available through theTraining area of macromedia.com.Macromedia University offers online courses in Macromedia Flash and related Web technologies such as JavaScript, CSS and PERL. Instructor-led training in Flash is available in authorized training centers around the world.

Third-party Web sites
Numerous third-party Web sites devoted to Flash are available on the Internet. Many feature tutorials, articles, sample files downloads and user forums. Start with some of the sites listed in Web sites devoted to Flash and Flash Developers (TechNote 12046).

Books
There are a number of Macromedia and third-party books about Flash on the market. Visit the Macromedia Store to browse available titles. Also seeBooks devoted to learning and mastering Flash (TechNote 14353).