Using ActiveX Controls

ActiveX controls are similar to Xtras in that they can expand the capabilities of Director movies. You can use them to add interface elements (such as menus and sliders), to import a variety of file types, and to interact with other programs from within a Director movie.

Many ActiveX controls come installed on PCs as part of the Windows operating system. Others are available for purchase from third-party developers. Unlike Xtras, ActiveX controls are neither developed by nor supported by Macromedia.

ActiveX controls have several restrictions that may limit their usefulness :

• ActiveX controls can be used only in the Windows version of Director.

• Movies containing ActiveX controls can be played only on Windows computers.

• Movies containing ActiveX controls can be distributed only in projectors; they can't be published as Shockwave movies.

To add an ActiveX control to a movie (Windows only):

1. Choose Insert > Control > ActiveX.

   The Select ActiveX Control dialog box opens, displaying all the ActiveX controls available on your computer ( Figure 19.20 ).

   Figure 19.20. The Select ActiveX Control dialog box displays all the ActiveX controls available on your computer.

   

2. Select the ActiveX control that you want to import.

3. Click OK.

   The ActiveX Control Properties dialog box opens ( Figure 19.21 ).

   Figure 19.21. The Properties dialog box for an ActiveX control allows you to modify the control's properties, methods , and events.

   

4. Change the settings in the dialog box as desired.

   There are three tabsProperties, Methods, and Eventsthat allow you to customize the ActiveX control.

5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

   The ActiveX control appears in the Cast window ( Figure 19.22 ). You can incorporate it into your movie by dragging it to the Stage or Score; thereafter, it can be repositioned or resized on the Stage like any other sprite ( Figure 19.23 ).

   Figure 19.22. The ActiveX control becomes a cast member.

   

   Figure 19.23. An ActiveX control can be repositioned or resized like any other sprite.