Shape Hints
Software : Flash 5.0
Level : Beginner

Concept: The lesson is designed using flash software which is a premium software for web animation. For a creative person, sky is the limit when he uses flash. The software provides lots of option for drawing and filling the colors to create the static object and then add life to it using animation techniques. Its amazing to fill yje life in otherwise still object and move it across the stage. The reusability of flash symbols make the animation light like a feather. Try to use these tips and tricks as a guideline and explore the world of creativity.

1. You need to add shape hints to the shape for this tutorial.

2. Create a new file.

View > Rulers

View > Grid > Show Grid

View > Grid > Edit Grid (10 X 10 px)

3. Drag the horizontal & vertical guide lines to get the center.

View > Guides > Lock Guides

4. Type 'I' with proper size and font. Select the text.

Modify > Break Apart

Cut and paste the text to place it at the center.

5. Rightclick on the 15 th frame. Select insert Blank keyframe. Type 'C' with same size and font. Select the text.

Modify > Break Apart

Cut and paste the text to place it at the center.

6. Click anywhere between 1 to 15

Modify > frame

Select 'Shape' in the Tweening drop down menu.

7. You will get the following output.

Now we will add the shape hints to control the shape change.

8. Select first frame.

Modify > Transform > Add Shape Hint

You will get shape hint icon with red color and letter 'a'

Again repeat the procedure twice to get two more shape hints with 'b' & 'c' inside.

Drag them at the position shown below.

9. Select 15 th frame.

Repeat the 8 th step for letter 'C' also.

10. You will get the following output.

11. Create a proper smooth animation using following timeline.

Keep the same shape for 15 to 20.

Tween the shape 'c' to 'I' from 20 to 35 using shape hints.

12. Save the file.