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Drawing in Flash| Category | | | Summary | | | Body | by: Eddie Carrol
Drawing Flash is very different to drawing in something like photoshop. So before we begin I'll try to explain to you the difference. When you draw a line in Flash the line itself is divided into parts. You can move, reshape and select these parts separately. In addition a line drawn across another line or solid will act like a knife, splitting the other line or shape into two separate parts which themselves can be moved, reshaped and selected. It's actually pretty handy.
Hint: To avoid accidentally changing your beautifully sculptured shapes and lines or to give greater control. Group them together or place them on their own separate layers.
Now let's look at the way you can employ each of the drawing tools.
The Pencil tool
<img src="webdesign/flash/images/flashdraw1.bmp]
This tool can be used to draw lines and shapes, just like a real pencil. The benefit of Flash however is that you can smooth and straighten them. When you select a line you will also find that it will segment them at sharp corners.
To draw with a pencil, select the pencil tool and choose a drawing mode from the icons below the tool bar. The straighten option will allow you to draw straight lines and convert your shaky shapes into common geometric shapes. The smooth option will let you draw curved lines while the Ink option will let you draw freehand lines.
<img src="webdesign/flash/images/flashdraw2.bmp]
Now drag the pointer across the stage to your hearts content!
Tip: Hold down the "Shift" key while drawing to perform horizontal and vertical lines
Drawing lines, rectangles and ovals
<img src="webdesign/flash/images/flashdraw3.bmp]
Drawing these shapes is just like using the pencil tool except when you drag the pointer across the stage here you will get an outline of the shape. Flash automatically strokes and fill the rectangle and the oval for you. These attributes can be modified before you draw the shape using the buttons below the tool bar that appear once you click on the relevant tool. The rectangle has another option which allows you to round its corners off.
To draw using the line, oval, or rectangle tool, first select the tool you wish to use. Choose the stroke and fill attributes (not available for line tool). For rectangle choose corners or rounded corners by indicating a radius (see the difference below). Drag the shape on the stage.
The Circle Modifiers
<img src="webdesign/flash/images/flashdraw4.bmp]
The Rectangular Modifiers
<img src="webdesign/flash/images/flashdraw5.bmp]
Tip: Holding down shift while dragging a oval or rectangle will ensure you draw a perfect circle or square.
Tip: If you press the up and down arrow key while dragging a rectangle you will adjust the radius of the rounded corner.
Tip: Holding down shift while dragging a line will draw lines at 45ø intervals.
Using the the brush tool
<img src="webdesign/flash/images/flashdraw6.bmp]
This tool allows you to paint with brush strokes. It tool works best I think if you have a pen and tablet but a mouse will still suffice. You can also use this tool to do calligraphy. So let's have go: To draw, select the brush tool and choose a painting mode from the modifiers below:
<img src="webdesign/flash/images/flashdraw7.bmp]
Paint Normal - paints over lines and fills on the same layer.
Paint Behind - paints in blank areas of the Stage, leaving lines and fills unaffected.
Paint Fills - paints fills and empty areas, leaving lines unaffected.
Paint Selection - paints the selected fill.
Paint Inside - paints the fill in which you start a brush stroke and never paints lines. It's just like a colouring book!!
Now choose from the range of brush options like size, shape and colour and drag on the stage.
Tip: If you hold down shift while dragging you will draw horizontal and vertical strokes.
So there you go, a brief introduction into drawing in Flash. Now take some time and experiment with these tools and really develop an understanding of them because they will help your creativity become reality. Good luck and have fun!
<h4>Quick Reference : Drawing in Flash</h4>
To draw with a pencil
- Select the pencil tool
- Choose a drawing mode
- Straighten - Straight Lines
- Smooth - Smooth Curves
- Ink - Free hand
- Drag the line on the stage
To draw a shape or line
- Select the tool you wish to use
- Choose the stroke and fill attributes (not available for line tool).
- For rectangle specify a radius
- Drag the shape on the stage
To draw using the brush tool
- Select the brush tool
- Choose a painting mode:
- Paint Normal - paints over lines and fills on the same layer.
- Paint Behind - paints in blank areas of the Stage, leaving lines and fills unaffected.
- Paint Fills - paints fills and empty areas, leaving lines unaffected.
- Paint Selection - paints the selected fill.
- Paint Inside - paints the fill in which you start a brush stroke and never paints lines. It's just like a colouring book!!
- Choose Brush options
- size
- shape
- colour
- Drag on the stage.
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This article was imported from the CyberArmy University site. (original author: )
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