Helpful hints for new Flash users

I asked 411 students at the end of the semester to write up hints for a student just starting out in Flash. Here are two lists. Hope these help!

1.  Understand that Flash will almost NEVER work the way you want it to

2.  Going off of #1:  Don't get discouraged.  There is almost always a work-around if you can't get your original idea to work

3.  Spend that first week really playing around with Flash and all of the tools as the more familiar you are with it, the easier it will be.

4.  Understand early that certain tools will not work the way you may be used to it.  For instance, when you draw a square, you need to select all 4 sides and the fill area together if you want to move it or resize it (group them)

5. Learn to incorporate other software programs into your work with flash...such as Illustrator, Photoshop, power point, etc.

6.  ASK FOR HELP if you find yourself stuck.  Trust me, the sooner you do that, the less confused you will be.

7.  Understand that Flash is NOT a GIS program (like ArcGIS)...so don't treat it like it is if things don't work

8.  When looking for graphics to add to a project, try and find vector layers as they tend to look a lot cleaner and crisper on your final maps

9.  Don't be afraid to used the help tool or google if you can't get ahold of your professor and you find yourself stuck.  There are many great tutorials out there on almost all the major features that you will be utilizing.

10.  Try and have fun with it.  Knowing how to properly used this software can open up so many doors to new skills in your map making ability.

1. Save early, save often and save in several different locations.

2.  Using the touchpad will drive you mad, go for an actual mouse.

3.  Focus on masks, there some of the more useful things out there.

4. It’s better to have too many layers than too few and run the risk of deleting something.

5.  Learn how to use buttons backwards and forwards, you’ll need it.

6. Use colors that facilitate easy reading for words, not what looks good.

7. Make notes in the margins of lab instructions, it’s a lot more helpful than it sounds.

8. For the love of god, if you don’t understand something, please just ask for help.

9. Balance things out, use illustrator and photoshop as well, it’ll make your life easier.

10. Test your work as often as possible, best to find something that doesn’t work earlier than later.