Chapter 16: Importing Artwork

Overview

In This Chapter

Defining rasters and vectors

Knowing the file formats for import to Flash

Preparing bitmaps

Importing and copying bitmaps

Importing sequences

Setting bitmap properties

Converting rasters to vectors

Using external vector graphics

Importing and copying vector artwork

Optimizing complex vector artwork

Although Flash gives you powerful options for creating and modifying a variety of graphics, you don't have to limit yourself to the Flash authoring environment. That's because Flash also has the capability of importing artwork from a wide range of sources. You can import both vector and raster graphics, and you can use both formats in a variety of ways.

In this chapter, we discuss the differences between vector graphics and raster or bitmap images. We also show you how to import external artwork so that you can use it in a Flash movie, as well as tell you about the Flash features that you can use to handle imported bitmap images and vector graphics.

New Feature 

Although the import and edit options have not changed significantly since Flash MX 2004, overall, bitmaps in Flash 8 look better than they ever have. Superior bitmap smoothing results in cleaner-looking images, even if they are scaled in the authoring environment. Another little change that has big creative potential is Flash 8's support for Fireworks filter effects. If you have modified an image in Fireworks, most of the filters will now be preserved as editable when you import a .png to the Flash authoring environment.

We define all the formats that Flash supports and go over some of the issues to consider when preparing artwork for import from various programs. We also introduce some Flash 8 features that are helpful for managing imported assets and give some insight into optimizing your final file size.