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Flash Tutorial - Tweening with Motion Guides

Free Flash Tutorial

Step four: The Motion Guide

1. In the Timeline click on the Button: Add Motion Guide
   
   
   The new Guide Layer above the Tween.
   
   
2. If your Tools are not open, open them: Window > Tools
3. Select the: Pencil Tool
4. In the Options section at the bottom of the Tool Panel select: Smooth
   
   
   Selecting the Smooth setting for the Pencil tool.
   
   
5. In the Guide Layer select: Frame 1
   
   
   Frame 1 of the new guide layer selected.
   
   
6. With the Pencil tool still selected: Draw a spiral
   
   
   The Stage with both Layers.

   Note: Make sure that spiral (or any other curve that you want to draw) must not cross over itself.

7. Go to the Selection tool:
8. Click on the spiral line to select it.
9. If the Property Inspector is closed, open it: Window > Property
10. The Property Inspector will now display information about the Pencil tool. If it is not set to a line width of 1 point (or less), select: 1
    
    
    Setting the Pencil tool to a Stroke Height (width) of 1 point.
    
    
11. In the Guide Layer click on the: Lock Button
    
    
    The Guide Layer is padlocked.
    
    This is done to ensure that the spiral guide drawing is not selected by mistake.
    
    
12. Go to: View > Snapping > Snap to Objects
    
    Snap to Objects should be ticked: 

    Note: This is not essential, but it makes it easier because you will clearly see the Spiral Symbol snap onto the guide line.
    

13. With the Selection Tool grab the centre point of the 'Spiral: text and drag it onto the beginning of the spiral line. You should see the text jump as the text symbol snaps onto the guideline.
    
    
    The Spiral text centre point snapped onto the begriming of the guideline.

    Note: It is the registration point in the centre of the symbol which snaps to the guide. The registration point must be directly over the top of the guideline. It is easiest to pick up the symbol by the registration point.

14. Move the Playhead to: Frame 40
    
    
    Playhead on frame 40.
    
    
15. Drag the "Spiral" text onto the end of the spiral guideline. You should see the text jump as the text symbol snaps onto the guideline.
    
    
    Symbol snapped onto end point of guideline.
    
    
16. The Motion guide is now complete. To test the movie, on the keyboard press: Enter
    
    The word "Spiral" should move in around the spiral guide.

    Note: The guideline will not be visible in the final published movie. To preview what it will look like when finished goto: Control > Test Movie