Define: Text - Static, Dynamic & Input	Home • Food • Mates • Members • Tutorials • Forum • Buy Templates • Contact Us

Text: Static, Dynamic & Input

There are three different types of Text in Flash. This mini tutorial is designed to show you the difference between Static Text, Dynamic Text and Input Text.

Static Text

Static text is the standard type of text that you would use in Flash that is created by typing in Flash. Static text is used when you need to add text to the Stage, Buttons or any text that doesn't need to change or load from an external source. Static implies that the text content (words) does not change not that it is Static. This means that Static Text can be animated!!

You select Static Text from the Control Panel:

 

 

When using the Text Tool:

 

Static Text always has a small Square or a Circle in the Top left corner:

 

  

Text Block icon is at the: Top

The Square represents a Fixed Width Text block used for Paragraph Text.

The Circle represents an Expandable Text Block used for single lines of text.

 

Definition: Text Blocks - Expandable & Fixed Width

Dynamic Text

Use Dynamic text when you need to load text from the ActionScript, a text file, database, or change the text when the SWF file plays in Flash Player.

You select Dynamic Text from the Control Panel:

 

 

When using the Text Tool:

 

Dynamic Text always has a small Square or a Circle in the Bottom left corner:

 

  
Text Block icon is on the: Bottom

Cross Ref: For examples of Dynamic Text see the Tutorial on: Variables

Input Text.

Use input text when you want the user to type into a text field. You can take that text and send it to the ActionScript or a database and have it manipulate something in the SWF file, and more.

You select Input Text from the Control Panel:

 

 

When using the Text Tool:

 

Dynamic Text always has a small Square or a Circle in the Bottom left corner:

 

  
Text Block icon is on the: Bottom

Cross Ref: See the Tutorial on: Input Boxes

Flash Dictionary