Importing Animated GIFs

   

An animated GIF file is a type of image file that contains multiple frames . It's often used to display simple animations on Web sites.

You can import animated GIF files into Director and use them in a movie, just as you'd use digital video files. No third-party software is required.

To import an animated GIF file:

  1. Choose File > Import, and follow the same steps you'd follow to import any other file. (See "Importing Cast Members" in Chapter 2 for more information.)

    Instead of the normal Image Options dialog box, Director presents you with a Select Format dialog box, asking whether you want to import the file as an animated GIF or as a bitmapped image ( Figure 10.28 ).

    Figure 10.28. This dialog box appears whenever you import a GIF file (animated or otherwise ).

    graphics/10fig28.gif

    The Animated GIF option is selected by default.

  2. Click OK.

    The animated GIF file appears in the Cast window.

graphics/tick.gif Tip

  • If you select Bitmap Image instead of Animated GIF, Director imports the first frame of the animated GIF file as a standard bitmapped cast member.


To set an animated GIF file's properties:

  1. Select an animated GIF cast member in the Cast window.

  2. Select the Animated GIF tab in the Property Inspector ( Figure 10.29 ).

    Figure 10.29. The Animated GIF tab in the Property Inspector lets you adjust the frame rate and other properties for an animated GIF.

    graphics/10fig29.gif

  3. Choose an option from the Rate pop-up menu.

    Normal, the default, plays the GIF animation at its original frame rate.

    The Lock-Step option plays the animation at the same rate as your Director movie.

    If you want to specify a different frame rate, choose Fixed, and enter the desired frame rate in the FPS box below the menu.

  4. If you want the animated GIF file to be played Direct to Stage, select the DTS option.

    Playing the animation Direct to Stage reduces the load on the computer's processor, but it has significant drawbacks. (See "To set a video cast member's properties" earlier in this chapter for more information.) Animated GIF files are typically small and not especially processor- intensive , so selecting DTS usually isn't necessary.

  5. If you want to preview the GIF animation, click the More button.

    The Animated GIF Asset Properties window opens, displaying the same properties that were displayed on the Animated GIF tab in the Property Inspector ( Figure 10.30 ).

    Figure 10.30. The Animated GIF Asset Properties window.

    graphics/10fig30.gif

  6. Click the Play button at the bottom left of the window to preview the animation.

  7. Click OK to close the window.

   


Macromedia Director MX for Windows and Macintosh. Visual QuickStart Guide
Macromedia Director MX for Windows and Macintosh. Visual QuickStart Guide
ISBN: 1847193439
EAN: N/A
Year: 2003
Pages: 139

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