A symbol is an object that can be a movie clip, a button or a graphic.
It is the master object and put into the library as on of the above.
An instance is each use of that symbol within your movie project.
Every time you drag your symbol onto the stage, it becomes an instance.
A symbol can also be created in another flash project and imported
into your movie from it's library..
Rules for effective naming schemes for symbols in Flash
Always begin symbol names with lowercase letters.
Never use special characters except for underscore (_).
Use descriptive names so you can easily locate items in your library.
Never use spaces in the name.
Never use dots (.) or periods.
Never use slashes (/).
Creating a symbol
1.
Hold down Ctrl and hit L or hit F11 or click on menu windows>library.
2. Find the shape you want to make into a symbol. Select your shape on
the stage by clicking on your image.
3. With your arrow tool, drag your image to the library window or click
menu insert>convert to symbol.
4. You will notice a convert to symbol window will open.
5.
There is an advanced button. It will bring up a larger window with more
options here. If you don't see advanced you are not in the basic options, so
Click on the button basics (this is all you need to see for now) We will set
up in basic mode.
6. Rename your symbol 1 to the name of your image. Example if it is a
snowflake call it snowflake or snowflake1. It is important to rename your
symbols so you don't overwrite your movies in the future when you import
other saved library items and so you can identify them quickly.
7. The behavior should be marked graphic. unless it is a button or you plan
on animating what is inside it. For now choose graphic.
8.
In registration you will notice a square of 9 tiny boxes. The center box
should be marked black. If not click on the center box. This is the
registration point of your image. Click okay and you will notice a square
selection box appear around the image PLUS a small circle with a cross in it
appear in the center of the image. This is the center registration point.
If
you were to choose the left top corner of the registration in the convert to
symbol window you would see the point show up on the top left corner of the
selection line surrounding the image.
9. The symbol name you chose will show up in the library window. If you
click on the name in the library window you will see the image on the stage
also appear above.
1.
Hold down Ctrl and hit L or hit F11 or click on menu windows>library.
5.
There is an advanced button. It will bring up a larger window with more
options here. If you don't see advanced you are not in the basic options, so
Click on the button basics (this is all you need to see for now) We will set
up in basic mode.
8.
In registration you will notice a square of 9 tiny boxes. The center box
should be marked black. If not click on the center box. This is the
registration point of your image. Click okay and you will notice a square
selection box appear around the image PLUS a small circle with a cross in it
appear in the center of the image. This is the center registration point.
If
you were to choose the left top corner of the registration in the convert to
symbol window you would see the point show up on the top left corner of the
selection line surrounding the image.