types of images in flash?

i was just wondering if some one could tell me the deal with images in flash.

i'd like to create 3d graphics for menu's etc using other programs like photoshop and 3ds max but was just wondering how much this would effect the load times etc.

is it even possible to create 3d in flash? as in really nice shiny metallic/chrome style stuff that actually looks like metal? if it is does anyone know of any sites at all that would provide some tutorials on it?

and wat is the best format to import images in to flash if this is the way to go?

cheers,

- niobi xd -

Images can be a bit tricky in flash. Hopefully some of the stuff here will address your needs. One of the first things I couldn't understand was when I imported a pic (no matter what type) most of the time it would get blurred.

The fix to this is really easy: go to the Library and right click on the picture properties. Uncheck "Allow Smoothing" and you should be set.

Load times from images imported (3D or not) will be dictated by the images file size. 3D files are usually larger and thus will increase the load time. If you use them sparingly it shouldn't matter all that much.

Here are some 'image optimization tips' from a flashkit.com tutorial by Michael Georges.

-Size the image to the exact size that you will be using in Flash - no need paying for those extra bytes.
-Export the image out of your image tool (PhotoShop or such) at a reasonably high resolution.
-Save as either JPG, PNG, or BMP depending on size and your intended use.
-Avoid all but the simplest of GIFs, Flash hates GIFs.
-Import into Flash and let Flash do the compression using the Publish Settings features.
-Publish with AntiAliasing on and off to see how you like it best.

Flash doesn't do 3-D but things like Swift 3-D do and work great with Flash. I haven't had a whole lot of experience with it but it caters to a beginner (at least more than 3D Studio would). Does anyone have a lot of experience with Swift to give a better idea?

Check out: http://www.swift3d.com/ if you want to see some online demos.

Hope this helps some!

Peace,
panhead490

hey man,

thanks for your reply...i was wondering why things were going all blury...plus wasnt to sure bout what was best to import..

i'd just like to ask one more question tho. i was wondering if you (or anybody else for that matter) could tell me how they think that the guy at 2advanced.com would do the menu graphics and all that.

cheers panhead490, u've helped heaps

- niobi xd -