Using Timeline Effects

Flash includes prebuilt Timeline effects that enable you to create complex animations with a minimal number of steps. You can apply Timeline effects to the following objects:

• Text
• Graphics, including shapes, groups, and graphic symbols
• Bitmap images
• Button symbols

Note: Timeline effects share some of the same names as filter effects; however, they are completely different features. Timeline effects are automated vector animations you apply to the previously mentioned objects. Filter effects are static effects you apply to objects and animate in various ways by applying code or motion tweens.

Adding a Timeline Effect

When you add a Timeline effect to an object, Flash creates a layer and transfers the object to the new layer. The object is placed inside the effect graphic, and all tweens and transformations required for the effect reside in the graphic on the newly created layer. The new layer automatically receives the same name as the effect, appended with a number that represents the order in which the effect is applied, out of all effects in your document.

When you add a Timeline effect, a folder with the effect’s name is added to the Library, containing elements used in creating the effect.

To add an effect to an object:

1. Do one of the following to add a Timeline effect:

   

• Select the object to which you’re adding the Timeline effect. Select Insert > Timeline Effects. Then select Assistants, Effects, or Transition/Transform from the submenu, and select an effect from the list.

• Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Macintosh) the object to which you’re adding the Timeline effect. From the context menu, select Timeline Effects. Then select Assistants, Effects, or Transition/Transform from the submenu, and select an effect from the list.

2. Effects available for the type of object you’ve selected appear as active menu choices.
3. In the dialog box that appears for the effect, view the effect preview based on default settings. Modify the default settings as desired, and then click Update Preview to view the effect with the new settings.
4. When the Timeline effect appears as desired in the preview window, click OK.

Editing a Timeline Effect

You edit Timeline effects using the Effect Settings dialog box:

1. Select the object associated with the effect on the Stage.

2. To open the Effect Settings dialog box, do one of the following:

• In the Property inspector, click Edit.

• Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Macintosh) the object and select Timeline Effects > Edit Effect from the context menu.

3. In the Effect Settings dialog box, edit the settings you want to edit, and click OK to apply your settings.

Deleting a Timeline Effect

You use the context menu to delete Timeline effects. Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Macintosh) the object on the Stage that has the Timeline effect you want to remove, and select Timeline Effects > Remove Effect from the context menu.