MenuBuilder Overview

MenuBuilder is a rather interesting component that enables you to link a number of movies to each other. In this way, even the most complex demonstrations can be reduced to a series of manageable linked movies that all contribute to the overall goal of the project.

You can use this tool to link movies to other files. For example, use it to create a menu page and link to the movies that demonstrate the individual steps, to URLs, and to other files. What makes MenuBuilder so appealing is you don't have to know Action Script or other programming languages. And you can export MenuBuilder projects in the following formats:

• HTML

• Flash SWF

• PC EXE

• Macintosh projector

• Word DOC

Another interesting aspect of MenuBuilder is the fact the menu page does not necessarily have to be constructed in MenuBuilder. If you know how to build a PowerPoint template page, you know how to construct a MenuBuilder menu page.

To open the MenuBuilder application

1.	Open Captivate and, on the start page's Other movie types area, double-click the MenuBuilder icon (Figure 12.1). Figure 12.1. The MenuBuilder application is accessed through the Captivate Start page. The MenuBuilder Project dialog box opens (Figure 12.2). Figure 12.2. The MenuBuilder project dialog box lets you choose between using a wizard or a blank project to build the application as well as letting you choose to open an existing project if the project needs to be edited.
2.	Select Project Wizard if you would like some help in constructing a MenuBuilder project. Blank project if you intend to start with a blank screen and construct the project using elements such as graphics and buttons you have created elsewhere.
3.	In the "Open an existing project" area, select the project on which you are currently working or a previously constructed project.
4.	Click OK.

Tips

• Don't bother clicking the "Don't show this dialog box again" check box in the MenuBuilder Project dialog box. It is quite useful and provides handy one-click access to your MenuBuilder projects.

• MenuBuilder projects are saved to C:\Program Files\Captivate\MenuBuilder\Projects.