Binding: CD-ROM
Brand: Macromedia
EAN: 0044431307123
Format: CD-ROM
Label: Macromedia
Manufacturer: Macromedia
Platform: Macintosh
Publisher: Macromedia
Product Release Date: 2002-03-29
Studio: Macromedia

Since Macromedia launched Flash in 1996, it has grown into the de facto standard for development and delivery of high-impact, visually rich, interactive Web content. Flash MX promises a similar generational shift to the one experienced when Flash 5's enhanced ActionScript introduced an unprecedented degree of interactivity to the Web.

The most exciting new features in this version are those aimed at e-content developers and programmers. Integration with application servers such as ColdFusion MX and Microsoft's .NET and Internet protocols like HTML, WebTV, and WAP make it possible to deliver Flash content to a range of platforms--from PCs to PlayStations to mobile phones.

But Flash MX also offers plenty to those who aren't part of a large team of designers and programmers developing corporate sites. Novice users can take advantage of a range of prebuilt, customizable components, including scroll bars, buttons, list and combo boxes, and QuickStart templates for presentations, photo albums, ads, and more, making it possible to achieve great results quickly.

The Flash MX interface is now consistent with Dreamweaver and Fireworks. Nested layer folders and improved cursor feedback for frame adjustment make the timeline more manageable, and the context-sensitive properties panel and collapsing, dockable panels reduce screen clutter considerably. Vector drawing tools, one of Flash's weaknesses, have been largely overlooked, but there is a new Free Transform tool, which combines rotate, scale, and skew options. Video, another Flash weak spot, has fared much better with the inclusion of the Sorensen Spark video codec. Users can import a variety of formats, including MPEG, DV, and QuickTime. In addition, users can animate and script AVI and video clip objects in the same way as bit maps, even using them on a mask layer.

Flash MX is backwards-compatible with version 5 (meaning users can publish version 5 SWF files, although MX SWF files require the MX player), removing the only argument for not upgrading. Those not yet convinced of the merits of Flash need only look around. --Ken McMahon

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: I love this program
Review: I was hoping to purchase the commercial version of this program because the 2004 version isn't compatible with my Computer. I'm very familiar with this program's features though. I recommend over the 2004 edition any day.

---

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Better than Flash 5
Review: Well, it's not exactly the most SIMPLE program to use, I don't care who you are, it just isn't. Even so it's better than version 5, and no other program that makes SWF's comes close to the features of Flash MX.

---

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Excellent program made even better!
Review: I'll grant you, the learning curve on Flash is steep. Once you get past that, Flash is a mandatory program in today's web environment. Now, with easier to learn functions and drag-and-drop ease, Flash MX can take it to the next level. You can incorporate QuickTime videos. You'll see improved workflow with more informative, easier to use menus. You can incorporate dynamic elements like never before. My personal favorites are the little touches that Macromedia made to just make the everyday tasks easier to do. Plus, the layer folders option is a stroke of genius (even if Adobe got there first). All-in-all, the first upgrade in years is well worth the wait. Also, it runs under both OS9.1 and OS10.1.

---

---