Subject: [MT35101] FLASH .fla VS .swf
From: "Aaron E. Walsh" <aaron@gridinstitute.com>
Reply-To: MT35101@yahoogroups.com
Organization: Mantis Development Corp.
To:  BC Computer Graphics <MT35101@yahoogroups.com>


When using the Flash authoring tool you'll be working in the Flash .fla format. The .fla format allows you to open and edit your work in the authoring tool at any time.

To view your creation on the Web, however, you must save your work in the Flash .swf ("small web file") format. The .swf format is specially designed to allow your Flash content to be viewed in the Flash browser plug-in, whereas .fla files can not be viewed directly by the plug-in (only the authoring tool can view .fla files).

Using the Flash MX authoring tool simply "PUBLISH" your work when it's ready for the Web. This will place the .swf file alongside the .fla file that you've saved previously (be sure that you've previously saved your Flash work somewhere on your computer before you try to PUBLISH, as that is the location where the .swf file will be placed). When you publish,
an .swf and all related Web files are created (such as HTML and alternate bitmap images that are used in cases where someone who doesn't have the Flash plug-in tries to view your Flash content). FOR THIS CLASS I ONLY CARE ABOUT THE .SWF FILE: As long as you provide that for the final you're done; simply upload the .swf (or all the other related files, if you'd like, although it doesn't matter to me).

You can also create an .swf file by EXPORTING your movie. Flash 5 authoring tool users (those using BC computers) will have to use the EXPORT MOVIE option to save their work in .swf format.

Consult the Flash authoring tool's HELP menu and/or product documentation for more details on Saving, Publishing, and Explorting Flash content.

Aaron
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Aaron E. Walsh http://www.gridinstitute.com/people/aew/
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