Using External Vector Graphics

All artwork drawn in Flash is vector-based; however, not all vector graphics are created the same. As shown in Table 16-1, Flash offers robust support for external vector formats, including Macromedia FreeHand and Adobe Illustrator. Some vector graphics may be simple objects and fills, whereas others may include complex blending or paths that add significant weight to a Flash movie. Although most vector graphics are by nature much smaller than raster graphic equivalents, don't assume that they're optimized for Flash use.

Importing vector graphics from other applications is fairly simple and straightforward. However, because most vector graphics applications are geared for print production (for example, publishing documents intended for press), you need to keep some principles in mind when creating artwork for Flash in external graphics applications:

• Limit or reduce the number of points describing complex paths.

• Limit the number of embedded typefaces (or fonts). Multiple fonts add to the final movie's (.swf) file size. As we describe later in this chapter, converting fonts to outlines is one way to avoid adding extra fonts to your Flash file.

• To ensure color consistency between applications, use only RGB colors (and color pickers) for artwork. Flash can only use RGB color values, and automatically converts any CMYK colors to RGB colors when artwork is imported. Color conversions can produce unwanted color shifts.

  Note 

  When Flash imports a vector file with any placed grayscale images, the images will be converted to RGB color, which will also increase the file size.

• Unless you're using Macromedia FreeHand or Fireworks, you may need to replace externally created gradients with Flash gradients, or accept the file size addition to the Flash movie. Gradients created in other drawing applications are not converted to editable Flash gradients when the file is imported; instead they will be rendered as complex banded graphics with clipping paths or as rasterized, bitmap images.

• Preserve layers where possible to help keep imported artwork organized. Some vector formats use layers, and Flash can recognize these layers if the graphic file format is correctly specified. Layers keep graphic elements separate from one another and can make it easier to organize items for use in animation.

• If the artwork you are importing includes large areas of solid color, such as a plain background, consider excluding those parts of the graphic from import. They can easily be replaced in Flash after the more complex parts of the artwork are brought in.