Help With Programs...
Anyone know where i can find 3D Studio Max and also what programs can you recommend. I already have Flash MX and Swift 3d.
Thanks...
Ultrashock Forums > Flash > Flash Newbie
Posted on: 2002-09-20
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Programming Programs To Write Programs
I tend to automate things. Automating automation is no exception to this rule.
If I'm going to have to do it more than once or twice, I tend to jump through some hoops to make sure the machine does it for me.
I'm not just evil enough to run my Actionscript code through a C preprocessor just so I have my macros and conditional compilation.
No, I'm sick enough that I write programs to to write programs. Have done so for years. No cure for it.
Take this simple little doohicky, a 'slide show' applet. It's part of a larger web site that has a ton of screen captures from games that are cycled when the main application loads them as a preview.
It started off that I'd grab all those pictures, drop them into Flash, and make a little 'movie' out of them. That was too much damned work.
So I wrote a little piece of Flex code, and then I cut it up into pieces.
SlideShow_1.as
ActionScript Code:
/**
* Dumb slide show applet
**/
package
{
import flash.display.*;
import flash.text.*;
import flash.geom.*;
import flash.events.*;
import flash.media.*;
import flash.xml.*;
import flash.utils.*;
SlideShow_2.as
ActionScript Code:
public class SlideShow extends Sprite
{
public const msSlideInterval : int = 2000; // How long between frames
public var timer : Timer; // Slide changing timer
public var aBitmap : Array; // Array of bitmaps to display
public var iFrame : int = -1; // Frame index
public var bmCurr : Bitmap; // Current bitmap
/**
* Do 'standard' two part construction.
* When run alone, 'stage' is set in constructor.
* When run from another swf, 'stage' isn't initially set.
**/
public function SlideShow()
{
new Resource();
addEventListener( Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, addedToStage );
aBitmap = [];
for each (var img : Class in Resource.aImageClasses )
{
aBitmap.push( new img() );
}
}
public function addedToStage( event : Event ) : void
{
stage.scaleMode = StageScaleMode.NO_SCALE;
stage.quality = StageQuality.HIGH;
timer = new Timer(msSlideInterval);
timer.addEventListener(TimerEvent.TIMER,NextFrame);
timer.start();
NextFrame();
}
/**
* Go to next frame of slide show
**/
public function NextFrame( event : Event = null ) : void
{
//trace( "NextFrame" );
if( ++iFrame >= aBitmap.length )
iFrame = 0;
if( null != bmCurr )
removeChild(bmCurr);
bmCurr = aBitmap[iFrame];
addChild(bmCurr);
}
}
}
/*
* Local Resource embed class appended by external script code
*/
class Resource
{
SlideShow_3.as
ActionScript Code:
public static var aImageClasses : Array = [];
public function Resource()
{
SlideShow_4.as
ActionScript Code:
}
}
Then I wrote myself a little script to find all the images in a folder, sort them and insert them into the code. If you note the original, and what's missing from the pieces, this basically measures the first image, makes a [SWF()] metadata to size up the applet, then builds a list of images to import with [Embed()] metadata. It dumps the code into the output .as file, then invokes mxmlc on it.
(Note, you only need the FREE Flex SDK to build it.)
The pieces most of you won't understand are 'sed' and 'identify'.
'Identify' came from ImageMagick. A set of command-line based image manipulation tools. I could do additional things, like resize the images, turn them into one format or another, etc. All I use 'Identify' for is to find out how big the image is, and format out the 'SWF' metadata.
'Sed' (The Stream Editor) is an ancient (1977) Unix/Linux/etc. tool that's probably older than most people reading this. It performs regular expression search/replace on text. It's super handy.
makeslides.sh
Code:
#!/bin/bash
if test ! -z "$1" && test -d "$1" ; then
imgdir=$1
if test -z "$2" ; then
swfout=$1.swf
else
swfout=$2
fi
set -o errexit# Stop running the script if an error occurs
set -o nounset# Stop running the script if a variable isn't set
# Find any supported images in the folder
find "$imgdir" ( ! -regex ".*.svn.*" -a ( -iname *.png -o -iname *.jpg -o -iname *.jpeg ) ) > tmp
# echo First part of source code
# SlideShow_1-SlideShow_4 are pieces of one as file that this dumps some
# additional code/data into
cat src/SlideShow_1.as > SlideShow.as
# Sort the file list, then grab the first one, then make 'SWF' metadata
# identify is from ImageMagick - tell script about file format
# sed (Strem Editor) is an ancient unix tool
sort tmp | sed q tmp | sed "s/(.*)/"1"/" | xargs -L 1 identify -format "[SWF(width="%w", height="%h",frameRate="30", backgroundColor="0x000000")] // %d/%f" >> SlideShow.as
# echo more of the source code
cat src/SlideShow_2.as >> SlideShow.as
# Build list of Embed metadata items
sort <tmp | sed "s/(.*)$/ [Embed(source="1")] public static const image/"
| sed -n -e "/.*/ p;="
| sed -e 'N;s/
//'
| sed -e "s/$/ : Class;/" >> SlideShow.as
# echo more of the source code
cat src/SlideShow_3.as >> SlideShow.as
# Add the list of Bitmaps we embedded to a list
sed -n "=" <tmp | sed "s/(.*)/ aImageClasses.push(image1);/" >> SlideShow.as
# echo last of the source code
cat src/SlideShow_4.as >> SlideShow.as
# Now compile the
mxmlc -compiler.optimize=true SlideShow.as -o "$swfout"
# Clean up tmp file
rm tmp
else
# Parameter was invalid
echo
echo $0 srcDir [tgtSwfName]
echo
echo srcDir: Where to look for swf files
echo tgtSwfName: What to call the swf file
echo "If tgtSwfName isn't specified a swf file named after the folder is made."
echo
echo Generate a slide show swf from a folder full of image files.
echo
exit 1
fi
Here's a version for you pitiful Windoze lusers so you don't feel left out.
makeslides.bat
Code:
@echo off
set imgdir=%~f1
set swfout=%~f2
if "%imgdir%" == "" goto help
if "%swfout%" == "" set swfout=%~f1.swf
set SED=toolssed
set IDENT=toolsidentify
rem Find any supported images in the folder
dir /s /b "%imgdir%*.png" > tmp 2>nul
dir /s /b "%imgdir%*.jpg" >> tmp 2>nul
dir /s /b "%imgdir%*.jpeg" >> tmp 2>nul
rem echo First part of source code
rem SlideShow_1-SlideShow_4 are pieces of one as file that this dumps some
rem additional code/data into
type srcSlideShow_1.as > SlideShow.as
rem identify is from ImageMagick - tell script about file format
rem Sort the file list, then grab the first one, then make 'SWF' metadata
sort tmp | %SED% q tmp | %SED% "s/(.*)/"1"/" | %SED% "s/^/@%%IDENT%% -format "[SWF(width="%%%%w", height="%%%%h",frameRate="30", backgroundColor="0x000000")] // %%%%d/%%%%f" /" > tmp.bat
call tmp.bat >> SlideShow.as
rem echo more of the source code
type srcSlideShow_2.as >> SlideShow.as
rem Build list of Embed metadata items
sort <tmp | %SED% "s/\///g" | %SED% "s/(.*)$/ [Embed(source="1")] public static const image/" | %SED% -n -e "/.*/ p;=" | %SED% -e "N;s/
//" | %SED% -e "s/$/ : Class;/" >> SlideShow.as
rem echo more of the source code
type srcSlideShow_3.as >> SlideShow.as
rem Add the list of Bitmaps we embedded to a list
%SED% -n "=" <tmp | %SED% "s/(.*)/ aImageClasses.push(image1);/" >> SlideShow.as
rem echo last of the source code
type srcSlideShow_4.as >> SlideShow.as
rem Now compile the
mxmlc -compiler.optimize=true SlideShow.as -o "%swfout%"
if errorlevel 1 exit /b 2
rem Clean up tmp file
del tmp tmp.bat
goto end
:help
rem Parameter was invalid
echo.
echo %0 srcDir tgtSwfName
echo.
echo srcDir: Where to look for swf files
echo tgtSwfName: What to call the swf file
echo If tgtSwfName isn't specified a swf file named after the folder is made.
echo.
echo Generate a slide show swf from a folder full of image files.
echo.
:end
Now to make it recursively eat folders and poop out swf files, you need one more script...
allslides.sh
Code:
#!/bin/bash
set -o errexit# Stop running the script if an error occurs
set -o nounset# Stop running the script if a variable isn't set
find screenshots/* -type d ( ! -regex ".*.svn.*" )
-exec ./makeslides.sh {} ;
allslides.bat
Code:
rem first sed: Eat paths with .svn in them
dir /b /ad /s screenshots | sed -n "/.svn/!p" | sed "s/(.*)/call makeslides.bat "1"/" > atmp.bat
call atmp.bat
del atmp.bat
Now, if you've skimmed this far, you may be thinking to yourself, "Self, what the heck would I ever do with THIS?"
Well, I'll tell you. With minor modification, the script could do a LOT more than just slurp images into a slide show swf.
You could maintain all of your version-controlled art/sound/video/etc. assets in a directory tree and make this a part of a makefile (or ant, I suppose) script, and it would be able to make one Resource.as file containing all of your resources as static members of some Resource class.
So instead of screwing around in Flash to maintain your resources, embed all of the bits into your source code automagically.
At the very least you should see that when you have a lot of little pieces to manage, writing a simple script to manage them can be a real labor-saver.
[F8] Exporting From Vector Programs To The Other Vector Programs
I can do the cut and past thing from illy to Flash but if I go the other way things get ugly. Like simple text that has been broken past in to illy pretty rough and sometime illedgible. I mean I thought that is why vector is the bomb over raster. Is there ways to get good clean exports to manipulate in other vector programs out of Flash
3D Programs
what 3d picture making programes do u guys use?
What Programs Do I Need?...
Hey all, I'm not that new to flash and have been working with it quite alot these past few months. What I want to do now is really get serious with and get something going. Although before I can do this I would need some help from some of you. I would like to know what programs that you guys use to make your intros, sites, forums and chats. If possible can you either give me a link to a site where I could d/l the program or post the full name and maybe the price. Thx alot for any help...
I would like some programs to make 3d objects, make them rotate and much more. Well thx again... Later
What Programs To Use...
Hey, could anyone tell what programs have been used to build this site....http://www.johnmayer.com/ i have flash 5 and photoshop...but do you think that Adobe Illustrator would be better?
Thanks Lopster
Must Have Programs
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to make my websites look more professional. I wanted to know what programs you guys use to build your sites. I mostly use Flash 5.0 (even for graphics), and I end up with these bubblegum websites and graphics. So, what do you guys use?
Thanks,
TT
Programs
Hi I Just Joind This Site A have been visiting for a long time and i was wondering if there are any programs to make flash games besides FlashMx Flash8 ect.
If You Know Plz Reply
[F8] Run Programs
I'm building a website in flash for my job and it will be saved on an internal webserver (just for the lan, example ip is: 51.51.51.51) and i would like to add a button which loads a program on any computer on the network like notepad without running the program from the server. Is there a way?
Example:
Website address: http://51.51.51.51/index.html
Program to be run: C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32NOTEPAD.EXE
[F8] Run Programs With AS
Hi there,
I don't know if what I'm trying to do is possible with AS, so if not just tell me (then I can stop searching and start learning, cause this is really starting to annoy me)!
I've been told by friends that my desktop is over populated by icons. And since I've been working with them fancy carousel menu's I thought "hey, why not try to run my programs through an SWF? Then I can replace all my icons with just one SWF (and a folder containing XML's and icons etc.)!".
The carousel part is working great, the icons are made and their names and linkage are loaded with XML files, but there seems to be a problem with the linking.
I tried to use the getURL, but this gave me errors and always opened a new webpage (which I don't want).
So now the question for you is: can I run programs the way the icons open them (with a direct link to the .exe)?
Thanks in advance!
Other Programs
Are there any other programs that can publish a fla file.
I keep getting a error message when I go to publish my page:
not enough stack space
10.3.7- OSX
768 ram
Flash MX 2004- 7.2
.swf --> .fla Programs
I was wondering what was the best program for recovering .fla's from swf files. I've lost a few personal projects by being stupid, but I have the swf's.... Id like to have one of these conversion proggies around for back up - any info would be great!
Peace
Other Programs
Are there any other programs that can publish a fla file.
I keep getting a error message when I go to publish my page:
not enough stack space
10.3.7- OSX
768 ram
Flash MX 2004- 7.2
Programs
Hi
I am planning to build an all flash website and was woundering what the best program to do it is? any one know? or any personal opinions?
Thanks
Chris
3d Programs Other Than..
Are there any good programs for designing 3D backgrounds and stuff,
Other than the following..
Photoshop
3D max
I dont want Flash oriented 3D programs. Just some 3D graphics design programs.
Thanks any advice can help.
Programs
I have been viewing some really awesome web sites out there. The questions i have is what programs are used most commonly for the cool flash effects
i.e. - the light shinning thru the text
It seems hard to beleive that so many diff sites are using the same effect from coding .. any program names that are helpful in designing these effects would be appreciated.
I Need To Allow Programs To Run
I'm developing a small app which is to be used to choose which facility to run. The user (effectively) clicks a button on the app and is taken to what has been chosen. This could be a web page on the intranet, a flash movie or an executable program.
It's in running the executable program that I'm having problems since it detects that I am downloading an executable file and asks if I want to save or open it. Clearly I always want to open it.
What do I need to do in order for this to happen without asking?
The app is a raw flash movie but could equally be embedded in an HTML document. The web server runs on the same machine and is Apache Win32 and heavy use is made elsewhere of PHP4. The browser is Internet Explorer 6.
What Programs Do I Need?
OK guys.. i made a post before and no one really helped me out...
i would like some people to give me a list of programs i need to... uhh "get" and learn, to be able to make a cool website...
I have adobe photoshop, bryce 5 3d and flash MX...
1)
2)
3)
4)
Then.... when i make this 3d image or whatever it is.. what format do i save it to.. to import it to flash MX (if flash mx is in that list)
Thanks alot guys.... Of course.. any sites or any other info is appreciated.
Executing Programs
Is it possible to run an external apllication from inside a movie. It is, like calling WinAmp with a button.
Access Other Programs
I am trying to access other programs through Flash using a button. The two programs are microsoft Access and Excel. What type of script would open up one of these programs and then the document or data? I've been using "get URL". It opens up the browser and then the document.This only works when testing the movie. When I put it on the web it doesn't.
Thank you.
Rhett Miller
rhettsmiller@hotmail.com
Launch Other Programs?
Hello,
I was wondering, since we are able to launch email programs from flash using getURL(mailto:blah@blah.com), can we launch other programs too (ex. WORD,EXCEL,PAINT,etc...)?
Authoring Programs
Alrighty... I'm a total n00b when it comes to Flash...
I want to know if there's any free authoring programs out there, where to find them, and which is the easiest to learn with.
Now any Half-Life gamers out there who have tried to use Worldcraft 3.3 know that it's a ***** to figure out... But I taught myself that, so Flash shouldn't be much harder.
Anyway, any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
How Do I Execute Programs?
I'm trying to use Flash to design and build an interface for a CD. However, I have not been able to reliably get Flash to execute files. The closest thing that I can do is have it try to download it from my HDD or CD. Is there a reliable way to get Flash to just execute a program? Thank you for any help.
Email Programs?
Are there any program that actually send email using script directly. None of the FLA's example that I have found work at all. Can someone personally give me a link that actually works with hotmail? Thanks
Programs In Flash
Hi all!
I have some doubts in Actionscripting. Please help me out.
Q. How can I use combination of two keypresses in Flash to do one event?
Example. If user presses Shift+K then my Flash file takes him to a new page where he gets some cool information.
Q. Is there anyway I can create programs in Flash? Can I add File>New or File>Save Option?
Example. Can I make a Text Editor like Notepad in Flash?
Q. I want to make a Text field in which you write a value and press Enter then a result comes. How can I make a Press Enter event in a Text Field?
Q. Please give examples on String (function), String.charCodeAt and String.concat.
I have been learning Actionscript by "Actionscript - The definitive
guide by Colin Moock". These questions are doubts where I get stuck up.
Please explain whatever you send and I'll be very grateful if you can send examples (Fla Files). That would help me a lot.
Thanks.
Yours Sincerely,
Carl
Installing Programs
Hi all,
IŽm designing a trialware CD - iŽll export it to .exe as it is ready.. the cd will contain lots of programs and some articles in .pdf that have to be load as the user clicks a button. If the user doesnŽt have an AcrobatReader, for example, he should be able to install it from the CD. Which is the script that I have to use to link a button to a file, and also to execute it in the same time?
Thanks...
!maracatu!
Flash Programs
what are some cool flash program...... i no flash mx and swish...is there are any others..?
Flash Programs
Any Cool FLash programs.. i no flash mx and swish and insine something any other flash programs?
Other Macromedia Programs?
ok i kno wut macromedia flash is, but wut is freehand, fireworks pro, dreamweaver, and coldfusion do? am i missing any? i want the one that lets me embed swf files into html documents. i think its dreamweaver, but i dont wanna buy the wrong one!
Flash + Other Programs
Im new to flash webdesign, but I've been looking at flash designers websites for a while now - both by stumbling onto popular studios like 2advanced, and by constantly visiting cubadust.com. Anyway, I've dabbled in flash for a few months now, both by playng around with flash MX, and using swish, but I'd like to ease my way into the real stuff. Eventually, start a small studio.
While I read tutorials, and find technique, I have some questions. While viewing sites like 2advanced, WWDG, and gmunk, I have many questions about how the sites get to looking so awesome. I dont have photoshop, and know I need to get it. The question is, how do graphic editing programs(either photshop, paintshop, etc), 3D Vector graphics, photography and flash intergrate. Any links to examples would be appricated.
Im on my way to purchasing ps and swift3d, and while i know theyre good tools for a highly interactive website, I dont know their full purpose.
Also, any of you who can post any other programs I should be using are thanked. I hope to eventually be where you are now.
Flash Programs
hey, how can i make a flash movie into a proper program? not the .exe thing on the options as that's too big (file size)
thanks
Launch Programs?
I'm making an installation CD and want to use flash as my splash screen. How do i go about making a .exe file launch when a button is clicked in the projector?
Flash Add-on Programs?
I was browsing download.com the other day and I came upon a section dedicated entirely to aftermarket Flash programs that can "help make effects" and whatnot.
Are any of these programs worth downloading?
-Doug
If your not sure what im talking about check this link:
http://download.com.com/3150-6676-0.html?tag=dir
Affordable 3-D Programs..?
I have about $200 to throw into a program to create and animate 3-d images. What do some of you suggest? Please help!
Opening Ext. Programs
Are there any ways to use flash to open External programs? I.E. By clicking a button open The Sims.exe.
Please help me. And thank you for your time.
Looking For Someone To Help Develop Some Programs
Greetings all!
I hope this is the proper place to post this. Guess I will find out!
I am looking for someone who wants to help me develop a drawing program to integrate into my website. I have seen things like iSketch and the drawing program on plastically.org (currently not working) and this is the sort of thing I am interested in.
Once the program is made, I can have it imbedded into a special page so my visitors can play around with it.
The drawing program would work basically like PhotoShop but of course simpler..with pencil tool, fill button, color options, etc.
I can help with the layout and be more specific on what I want. And yes, I pay $$$$!!
My website is tangoland.com. Take a peek and you will see how a drawing program can fit into the "PlayRoom" area which in my opinion needs alot more *play* which is why I came here.
I also like the stuff that "Ze" does on zefrank.com. This is the sort of fun Flash programs/games I'd like to custom tweak for my site.
Thanks alot! Please e-mail me at serafinsgirl@yahoo.com if you think you may be interested and have active links to some of your current work!
Cynthia
Run Programs From FLASH
I need to use flash for controling multimedial CD with videos and more features. Do someone know short script how to run executable program from flash which is saved on cd together? fscommand doesn't works, thx
Running Programs?
hi, i wanna make an interactive desktop in flash, i know how to do this but i want to add buttons to it and when you click them it runs the program.
EG. have a button that when pressed loads up flash.
Any ideas thanks.
Running Programs
I'm creating a flash game, and anyway, I want it so when you press a button, it will run "button.exe" (for example). I'm using flash MX, and the movie will not be played in an internet browser. (It will be downloaded via ZIP, and users will run the game off their computers)
How would I acomplish this?
Using Flash To Run Programs
Hello flash comunity !
I've been searching the forums and i haven't found the answer for my question ... is it possible to launch a windows application via flash ? - for example, i create a button and i want to make it a shortcut to run ipconfig.exe . is it possible ? any ideas ?
Thanks in advance
Animation Programs
A friend and i were arguing over flash and other animation programs. I told him that you couldnt get a better animation program then Flash. He disagrees. What do you guys think? This does not include programs like Poser, LightWave, 3D Studio Max etc.
Animation Programs?
I've recently started using flash to do my traditional 2d animations (I don't actually use flash animation, I just animate traditionally in flash), so I don't have to deal with organizing paper and shooting each time I wanna view any changes. Unfortunately all the line art I create with my Wacom in Flash is vector, which is a huge downfall.
Today I attended a workshop taught by Glenn Vilppu here at Savannah College of Art and Design, and he showed us Alias Sketchbook (along with his toshiba tablet pc). From what I saw, I really liked the program for creating the line art, but it's not an animation program.
Does anyone know of a program that's as animation friendly as flash (ghosting, etc) but imitates pencil art rather than vectors?
If not, why isn't there one, and how would I go about suggesting/petitioning one? because I know a lot of animators would love a program like that.
What Programs Can Be Used To Do This And How Does It Work?
i was looking around the internet and i found a web site that is doing exactly what i want to do. i looked all over and finally found something that is actually my idea. i've said before in the past month or so that i'm looking to do an e-comic. i have no eperience with web sites or web site designing whatsoever. i am an illustration major at the american academy of art in chicago and now looking to get my comic book on the internet and animated EXACTLY in this manner right here:
http://metroid.jp/metroid_version1/ecomic/
this web site is an official web site for Metroid in Japan. it is all in Japanese, but if you scroll down to where it says "sample" you'll get the idea of what to click. there is a "1" and there is a "2" to click on. these are two true e-comics. they have little to no animation with flash effects and has some sound effects.
i am looking to do the same exact thing with my original art and a new website. but i don't know how to make a web site, or how to get my art to be in this fasion with these "flash" effects.
i was told that the program "Swish" would work just as well and would suit me other than Flash MX 2004. can Swish pull off everything seen here on this website? is that really the answer for me? if not, then how was this web site made? what programs are needed?
Question With Programs
I am woundering what programs I need to be able to create a dynamic website. Right now I have flash mx 2004, Adobe Photoshop 7.0, Adobe imageready 7.0 and Frontpage 2002. Any Help Would be widely appreciated.
Linking Programs
Hi!
I am using flash 5 and want to know if it is possible to link two files together in one flash file?!
What i have are two standalone exe programs made from flash and I want to create a program where you click on a button and it takes you to whichever exe program you want to use.
Hope this makes some sort of sense!
Cheers
Chris
PS - if users can click to get back to the main menu where they are making the choice between the two, how do you do that too!!
The Difference Between 2 Programs
This question might be stupid, but here we go anyway. I have Flash 8 and just bought Fireworks 8, do I really need Fireworks? Can this program do things that flash 8 can't do?
Flash Programs Etc.
I've been a visitor of newgrounds for a long time, and I wanted to start getting into making flash games. I'm really into art and drawing, so i'll probably be getting a tablet once I start getting a little experienced with flash.
What I want to know is what programs I should get to help me get started, I still need to look at the tutorials. I was thinking probably photoshop for starters.
Any suggestions from some veterans? I'm pretty serious about trying to get this started.
[F8] Opening Programs.
in flash 8, AS 2.0, how can I open a program such as IE, from a button or movie clip???
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