Chapter 4: Button Components

Overview

Buttons are one of the main resources in Flash that are used to facilitate interaction. It is very easy to create buttons in Flash, but even something as simple as this can be made easier by components. What if you need to create 10 buttons with a consistent look and feel? What if you're graphically challenged—wouldn't it be nice if you could get a component to draw the buttons for you?

In this chapter, you will look at several components used to create buttons. You will learn more about editing the component parameters for colors and fonts. You will also learn about components that use Live Preview, and you will learn some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Live Preview. You will begin working with the Components panel. You will learn what an MXP file is for, and you will also learn about the Macromedia Extension Manager.

In general, this chapter continues your journey to become more familiar and comfortable with components. The more practice you have working with components, the more you will see their incredible value and potential.

• Editing color and font parameters

• Adjusting component dimensions

• Working with MXP files