Macromedia Flash uses graphic elements, called ‘symbols’ to create animations. A symbol can be a movie clip, a button or graphic. Symbols make it easier to use an object multiple times without having to recreate it. There are three main types of symbols in Flash.
A Graphic is an image (static) or a piece of text. It only has takes up one frame and cannot be clicked on.
A Button is a graphic with extra variables that allows the use of some ActionScripts. Buttons take up four frames and can be clicked on.
A Movie Clip allows you to animate a graphic using several frames.
Every object in your Flash movie that you plan on using more than once should be a symbol. This speeds up the download time for your users, and makes the movie run smoother. Any graphic that your plan on animating needs to be converted to a symbol. Also, if you change one instance of a symbol in your movie, it changes all instances, so you only have to do your editing once.
How to Make A Symbol
There are two ways to make new symbols; you can convert an existing object or you can make a new object from scratch.
To convert an existing object to a symbol, go into the stage area, and select your object or draw a graphic using any of the tools or colors. Select it, and click on Insert and then Convert to Symbols. A window will appear titled Symbol Properties. Click on Graphic, and then select a name for your graphic. Click OK. Now you are back to your stage. When you click on your graphic now, you should notice a square around it.
To make a symbol from scratch, click on Insert and then select New Symbol. A window will appear titled Symbol Properties. Click on Graphic, and enter a name for your new symbol. Once your click OK, you will be taken to the Editing window where you can create your new graphic.
Editing Symbols
When you create a symbol from scratch or when you want to edit an existing symbol, you will go into the Editing Stage. This stage is almost the same as the main stage, but the icons and timeline are slightly different. To get to the Editing Stage, you either make a new symbol from scratch or double-click on an existing graphic on your stage. You can also click on an item in the Library and click on the Edit icon.
The Library
All of your graphics, movie clips and buttons are stored in a database called the Library. This is where you can view, edit or delete your symbols.. To view the Library, enter CTRL+L or click on Windows and then Library.
Basic Naming Conventions
There are some basic rules for naming your symbols that will help your library stay organized and keep your movie running smoothly. Always begin symbol names with lowercase letters. Never use special characters except for the underscore. Use descriptive names so you can locate items in your library easily, and never use spaces in the name. It is recommended that you not use dots, periods, or slashes in your symbol names.
