Overview

In This Chapter

Optimizing vector graphics for use in Flash projects

Converting rasters to vectors

Using Illustrator and Fireworks to create graphics for Flash projects

Exporting vector graphics from Flash

As the Flash authoring environment has matured, more designers have realized that much (if not all) of their design and artwork for Web projects can easily be created directly in Flash. Designers have also begun to integrate Flash as part of a streamlined production process to deliver consistent design to clients who have a presence in print and broadcast as well as on the Web.

Even if your designs are intended only for the Web, adding a few other programs to your toolkit enables you to take advantage of specialized features that can enhance your Flash projects and save production time. Custom brush styles, creative text controls, and libraries of reusable Graphic symbols are just a few of the "extras" that come with most professional vector design programs.

Flash 8 offers more options than ever for integrating artwork created in other authoring programs. With a few simple steps, the process of importing or exporting vector artwork between Flash and most professional graphics programs can be seamless. In this chapter, we discuss some of the most common workflow options and give you the background you need to keep artwork and page layouts consistent when moving from one program to another.