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Flash is a vector artwork tool that does not support creation of bitmap images from scratch. You need to use an image-editing application such as Macromedia Fireworks to create, modify, and optimize bitmap images for Flash.
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Fireworks and Flash share a common user interface, making it simpler for Flash users to learn the tools in Fireworks. By taking advantage of the strongest features of different programs, you can save time and enhance your Flash designs.
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Flash supports the direct import of Fireworks PNG files. This format enables you to preserve bitmap graphics, vector artwork, and editable text without having to change authoring modes or to export individual files.
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Either Macromedia Fireworks or Adobe Photoshop can be used to create a PNG-24 image with an alpha channel. Flash MX 2004 and Flash 8 also support import of .psd files with alpha channels. Flash renders the black area of an alpha channel transparent (or semitransparent) on the Flash Stage, which enables other elements in a Flash movie to show through the foreground bitmap.
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Flash 8 is more bitmap-friendly than any previous version of Flash. Bitmap smoothing has been improved to make scaled or rotated images look cleaner. New Flash 8 filters can be applied to bitmaps for editable, live effects that previously were possible only when using Photoshop or Fireworks and importing static, rendered images.
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A new option to cache vector graphics and animation in bitmap format takes advantage of the Flash Player's raster image rendering capabilities to improve the performance of files that contain complex graphics.
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Flash can export (or publish) a variety of raster image file formats, which enables you to transfer your Flash artwork to other graphics programs. You can set the exported image's quality and size in the Export Image dialog box, as well as adjust options that are unique to specific formats.
