Adobe Flash Catalyst CS5:
Flash Catalyst Essentials

We provide you with the right training solutions to help you use Adobe Flash Catalyst CS5 for creating rich application interfaces and interactive content without writing code. Learn how to use Flash Catalyst to create interactive portfolios, product guides, microsites, site navigation, interfaces for RIAs and more.

Check our schedule for class dates and prices for Flash Catalyst training in Dallas Texas or call us for private training at your site.

Topics covered in this two-day class are:

Flash Platform overview

  • Introducing the Adobe Flash Platform
  • What is Flex?
  • Flash Builder and Flash Catalyst
  • Defining Adobe AIR
  • Output options
  • Flash Player support
  • Defining MXML

Flash Catalyst overview

  • Flash Catalyst overview
  • Defining States and Pages
  • Understanding the Library
  • Defining components
  • Component types
  • Available Interactions
  • Transitions and the Timeline

Illustrator artwork setup

  • Structuring Illustrator artwork
  • Artboards and color modes
  • Working with layers
  • Designing for interactions
  • Defining States in Illustrator CS5

Importing Illustrator artwork

  • Importing AI files
  • Converting to components
  • Creating button states
  • Adding Interactions
  • Creating transitions
  • Publishing your Project
  • Inserting project into HTML with Dreamweaver CS5

Importing complex Illustrator artwork

  • Creating Scrollbar components
  • Creating Scrollpane components
  • Component reuse
  • Using Button labels
  • Working with the Library
  • Exploring Code View
  • Optimizing vector graphics
  • Roundtripping to Illustrator CS5

Building Data Lists

  • Defining Data Lists
  • Setting up Repeating Items
  • Building components
  • Workign with design time data
  • Transitions
  • Creating an FXP file

Transitions and the Timeline

  • Using Smooth Transitions
  • Move transitions
  • Scale transitions
  • 3D transitons
  • Defining Easing
  • Timing animations
  • Action Sequences

FXG Format

  • Defining the FXG format
  • FXG as a transport layer
  • Importing Fireworks files

Importing Photoshop files

  • Installing the FXG extension for Photoshop CS5
  • Structuring PSD files for Interactions
  • Creating Text Input Components
  • Creating Slider Components
  • Layer Effects and Rasterizing
  • Roundtripping to Photoshop CS5
  • Simplifying Layers for FXG.

Working with Media

  • Working with Video / Supported Formats
  • Using the Adobe Media Encoder CS5
  • Importing Video
  • Controlling Video Playback
  • Importing sound files
  • Attaching Sounds

Wireframing and Prototyping

  • Working with wireframes
  • Creating Flash Catalyst Library packages
  • Component matchup
  • Interactive Prototypes

Integrating with Flash Builder

  • Considerations for Developer handoffs
  • Spark Components Defined
  • Skinning
  • Data Sources