Class 7
Timeline-Based Preloader
This is an example of a preloader placed into the _root timeline. The _root timeline loops to achieve the animated preloader effect, and the photograph is embedded into the FLA.
Timeline-Based Preloader Encapsulated into a Reusable MovieClip
This is an example of a preloader placed into a MovieClip. By placing the preloader into a MovieClip, the code and the graphics are reusable and easier to transfer to different files. Here, the SWF is loading an external JPEG image and is using the onEnterFrame() function to create the preloader animation.
Here's the code on the _root:
// first, create an empty movie clip to hold the picture or external SWF
this.createEmptyMovieClip("holder_mc", 1);
// next, we load the external item into this Flash Movie
holder_mc.loadMovie("../lib/img/week7/ccny.jpg");
// last, we attach the preloader
this.attachMovie("preloader_mc", "preloader_mc", 2, {_x:225, _y:181});
Attaching a Movie
The attachMovie() method allows you to tell Flash to "attach" a MovieClip from Flash's library onto the Stage at runtime (runtime means while the SWF is running, rather than when you are authoring the FLA file). Check the file to see how to attach the movie, as well as remove it, as is shown in the above file.
To attach a MovieClip:
While naming your new symbol, click the "Export for ActionScript" checkbox, which will automatically choose "Export in first frame" (if you don't see this screen while converting to symbol, try clicking the "Advanced" button, which is seen here toggled to "Basic").
Already have a symbol created? No problem. Simply right-click or control-click (MAC) the symbol in the library and either choose "Properties" or "Linkage" to bring up the window above.
After naming your MovieClip and setting a Linkage Identifier (the "handle" for ActionScript), you should be able to attach your MovieClip with a variation of the code below. See the file for more details.
For more explanation, don't forget to view Flash Help on attachMovie().
A Sample Site Map
Here's an example of a basic site map (PDF). This example was done in OmniGraffle, however, you can build something similar using Adobe Illustrator if OmniGraffle isn't on your computer.