Flash Tips - Pan, Zoom, Fade
Some of the best results in Flash can be achieved through the simple techniques of Panning, Zooming, and Fading. Examples have been created in the flash_panzoomfade.zip file in the Downloads section on the right.
Panning
Panning is moving the camera across a wide background and stopping at significant spots where the action is taking place. To pan scenes in Flash, simply create a background image that is significantly larger than the stage. Create a motion tween which moves the image across the visible portion of the stage.
Zooming
Use zooming to bring the camera close to a single object or to widen the visible range to include a larger amount of the content. Zooming in Flash is achieved by using a motion tween and the Free Transform Tool (while holding shift to constrain proportions) and just resizing elements on each layer. Select the frame where you want to start your zoom, right-click the frame and add a Motion Tween. Note that when you are zooming multiple layers you will need to add a motion tween to all layers that you are zooming. Next move the shuttle to the frame at which you want to start the zoom, right-click in each layer at that frame and Insert Keyframe > Scale (so that it doesn't start zooming prior to that frame). Move the shuttle to the frame where you want your maximum zoom, and select the motion tweens in each layer to be zoomed by holding down the shift key and clicking each tween. Finally, select the Free Transform Tool, hold shift, and increase or decrease the size of the content as needed.
Combine pan and zoom to great effect.
Fades
To fade in or out, simply create a new layer, insert a Blank Keyframe at the location you want to start your fade, and draw a large black rectangle over the entire visible portion of your stage. Right-click the rectangle and Convert to Symbol and name it Fade. You can now use this symbol any time you want to fade in or out in the future. Next, right-click the frame where you want your fade to end and select Insert Frame to extend the black rectangle until that frame. Add a motion tween to the black rectangle frame. Now, you merely change the alpha to 0% or 100% at either end of the tween depending on whether you are fading in or out. To fade in, move the shuttle to the last frame of the tween. In the properties tab under 'Color Effect' select 'Alpha' from the drop down and move the slider to 0%. Voila, a nice clean fade in.