Flash MX-Mac

Other products by Macromedia

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000063V0U
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 14, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #17,222 in Software (See Bestsellers in Software)

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  Software > Web Development > Web Effects > Animation

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

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

Amazon.com Product Description

Macromedia Flash MX is a software solution for developing rich Internet content and applications. The video, multimedia, and application development features allow users to create user interfaces, online advertising, e-learning courses, and enterprise application front-ends. Flash MX has a customizable, intuitive user interface with such features as panel layout, accelerator keys, and publish settings.

Timeline enhancements such as folders for organizing and accessing layered content, improved cursor feedback, and the ability to resize, cut, and paste multiple frames make it easier to use. The Property Inspector shows only relevant, context-sensitive settings when you work with tools and objects, reducing the number of panels open at any time. Select multiple objects and use the Distribute to Layers command to automatically distribute the objects to their respective layers. The new layers will be named based on the content selected.

New quick-start templates allow you to create professional-looking presentations, photo albums, advertisements, and e-learning content. Other new features include video support for any standard video file supported by QuickTime or Windows Media Player, Color Mixer enhancements, a Free Transform tool, and pixel-level snapping control. Flash MX also features a customizable ActionScript editing environment with customizable text display properties, syntax coloring, and toolbox panel content.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent program made even better!, March 20, 2002

By	Michael A. Brown "maniacmedia" (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Flash 5, November 14, 2002

By	R. Ryan Dacca (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this program, April 23, 2004

By	R. Love "primemaiden" (Desoto,Texas USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.