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Flash Tutorial: Animation - Tweening

Step Two: Creating a symbol

In Flash whenever you use an object more than once you create a symbol. This saves on download time as the symbol downloads only once. Even though you may use it many times the original symbol is simply repeated as many times as need be without repetitive downloads. In Flash when you animate with a technique called tweening you must use a symbol. Tweened animation only use symbols.

1. If the Edit Bar is not open, open it: Window > ToolBars > Edit Bar
2. Go to: Insert > New Symbol
3. Give your symbol a name: Bounce Grafx
4. For behavior select: Graphic
5. Click: OK

   Note: This takes you to a new work area to create your symbol. This is not the main stage.

   
   The Edit Bar enables you to see that you are working in a symbol called: Bounce Grafx.

6. Create your new symbol in this work area:
   
   You can type a word or draw something simple. As long as you have something to animate. I used the Text tool to type the word: Bounce
   
7. Once you have finished typing (or drawing) go back to the: Selection tool
8. Return to the main stage by clicking on the Scene 1 button in the Edit Bar:

   Note: Scene 1 is the main stage or main work area.