Understanding LayerFolder Basics

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Understanding Layer/Folder Basics

You'll work with layers when you learn about the Timeline in Chapter 27. In this section, you won't be exploring the entire Timeline you need to understand the basic concept of layers for most everything you do in Flash. Layers help you separate and organize pieces of your content and actions. The way you use layers will depend on your own workflow and work habits. It's a good idea to separate different parts of your movies onto separate layers; otherwise you'll be amazed at how quickly you can loose things. This section shows you how to name layers and gives you some organizing tips.

Figure 24-6 shows the various options for layers and folders in the Timeline.

click to expand
Figure 24-6: Layer and folder options and functions

Adding layers and/or layer folders

There are several ways to add a new layer in Flash. You can choose one of the following:

  • Insert ® New Layer or Insert ® Layer Folder from the main menu.

  • On the bottom-left corner of the Timeline, click the icon with the plus (+) on top of the document for a new layer or the icon with the plus (+) on top of the folder for a new layer folder.

  • Right-click (Control-click) the layer name and choose Insert Layer or Insert Folder from the context menu.

All new layers/folders are added to the top of the selected layer/folder.

Deleting layers or layer folders

To delete layers (or folders), select the layer or layer folder you want to delete and click the Delete Layer (Layer Folder) icon, which is the Trashcan, or Right-click (Control+click) and select Delete Layer or Delete Folder from the context menu.

Moving layers/folders

To rearrange a layer or folder, click and drag it to the new location. Objects on the top layer hide objects on the layer below it. Not all objects are obscured; only those directly below what's on the layer above it. This doesn't affect the way your movie plays. The timeline and frames you use control what appears in your movie and when it appears.

Visibility

You can turn off the visibility of each individual layer by clicking the dot in the column below the eye icon. If you want to hide or show all the layers, click the eye icon. A red X in the layer indicates the layer's visibility is turned off. The visibility of the layers does not affect the way the movie plays.

Locking layers/folders

You can lock a layer, layers, or folders to prevent editing. This is particularly handy when you are tracing items. You can lock the layer you want to trace so you don't accidentally alter it. To lock all layers, click the lock icon. To lock individual layers, click the dot in the column below the lock icon.

Naming layers/folders

It's a good idea to get in the habit of naming layers and folders. To name a layer or folder, double-click the layer or folder name and type the new name.

Selecting layers/folders

Layers and folders are selected in several different ways. You can select a layer by clicking the layer name. If you select a frame, the layer it is on is automatically selected. If you select an action, the layer it is on is selected. Also, if you select an object on the stage, the layer it is on is automatically selected.



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Macromedia Studio MX Bible
Macromedia Studio MX Bible
ISBN: 0764525239
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 491

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