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Click by Click: Tweening with Motion Guides

Full Version: This is a shortened click by click version of a: Full Length Tutorial

 

Free Flash Tutorial

Intro

Learn how to Tween Symbols using Motion Guides. Ordinarily with a Tween an object moves in a straight line from one point to the next. Motion guides allow you to move an object in a curve or spiral between one point to the next.

Full Version: This is a shortened click by click version of a: Full Length Tutorial

Step One: Setting up the Document

1. Go to: File > New > General Tab > Flash Document > OK (Ctrl N)
2. We are now ready to customise the document. Go to: Modify > Document (Ctrl J)
3. For Dimensions type: 200 x 160 px
4. Select a: Background Color.
   
5. When everything is correct click: OK

Step Two: Create a Symbol

As with all Motion Tweens you will need a Symbol to animate.

1. Go to: Insert > New Symbol (Ctrl F8)
2. Give the symbol a name: Spiral
3. Select Behavior: Graphic
4. Click: OK
5. Select the Text tool:
6. Type: Spiral
7. When you have finished typing (or drawing) go back to the Selection tool:
8. Move the text to the centre of the symbol. You will see a cross which is the registration point or centre point of the symbol.
   
   
1. With the Selection tool select the: Text
2. Go to Window > Align (Ctrl K)
3. Select the Align to Stage button:
4. Click the Align Vertical Centre:
5. Click the Align Horizontal Centre:
   
   
9. If the Edit Bar is closed, open it: Window > Tool Bars > Edit Bar
10. When you have finished return to the Main Stage by clicking on the Scene 1 button:

Step Three: Motion Tween

The next step is to create a standard Motion Tween:

1. Open the Library: Window > Library (Ctrl L) or (F11)
2. Drag the symbol Spiral out of the Library and onto the: Main Stage
3. In the Timeline right click (Mac: Ctrl click) on: Frame 40
4. A menu appears - select: Insert Keyframe
5. If the Property Inspector is closed, open it: Window > Properties > Properties (Ctrl F3)
6. In the Timeline click on: Frame 1
7. In the Property Inspector select: Tween > Motion
   
8. Rename Layer 1. In the Timeline double click on the words Layer 1 and type: Tween
   

Step Four: The Motion Guide

1. In the Timeline click on the Button: Add Motion Guide
   
2. Select the: Pencil Tool
3. Make sure the Stroke colour is something you can see like: Black (unless your background is black)
4. In the Options section at the bottom of the Tool Panel select: Smooth
5. Also in the Options section turn: Object Drawing OFF
6. In the Guide Layer select: Frame 1
7. With the Pencil tool still selected: Draw a spiral
8. Go to the Selection tool:
9. Double click on the line to select the: Spiral Line
10. If the Property Inspector is closed, open it: Window > Properties > Properties (Ctrl F3)
11. If the line is not set to 1 point width, set it: 1 (or less)
12. If the line is not solid, set it to: Solid
13. In the Timeline click the dot next to the Guide Layer name under the lock: Lock Button
14. Go to: View > Snapping > Snap to Objects
15. With the Selection Tool select the Spiral Text
16. Grab the centre point of the:
17. Drag the Symbol onto the beginning of the spiral line:
18. Move the Playhead to: Frame 40
    
19. Drag the "Spiral" Symbol onto the: End of Guideline
20. On the keyboard press: Enter
21. Go to: Control > Test Movie
22. When finished close the Test Window:

Step Five: Creating a Background

1. In the Tween Layer click on the: Lock Button
2. In the Timeline click on the Button: Insert Layer
3. Re-name this Layer: Background
   
4. Drag this new Layer so that it is underneath the others.
5. Select the the Brush tool:
6. Paint a: Spiral
7. Save your Movie: File > Save (Ctrl S)
   
8. Test your Movie: Control > Test Movie (Ctrl Enter)
   

   Full Version (including extensive notes) of this: Tutorial