#Types of symbols in adobe animate how to

Symbols can be edited in context (with other elements on the stage, called Edit In Place) or they can be edited in a separate window. The instance’s type can be changed at any time through the Property Inspector. They can contain interactive controls and can be controlled by ActionScript. They are like mini-movies that run inside the main movie. They have their own Timelines that run independently of the main Timeline. A button symbol icon is a finger on a button. Actions are assigned to the button instance. Graphics are defined for various button states. Their icons look like a hazardous waste symbol.īutton – Responds to mouse clicks and other events. Graphic symbols are created with Flash draw tools. Graphic – Used for static images and animations that are tied to the main Timeline. A Convert to Symbol dialog box appears with several behavior buttons that determine how the symbol will be used. The object on the stage that was dragged into the library will be converted to a symbol and a symbol icon will appear in the library. A Symbol can also be created by dragging an object from the stage to the library. To convert a graphic to a symbol select it and Insert > Convert To Symbol. A symbol can be composed of many layers and manipulated as a single object. A symbol has its own Timeline and layers, independent of the scene Timeline that it is in. It then takes you to symbol edit mode where you create and edit the symbol. To create a new symbol: Insert > New Symbol (or Ctrl-F8) brings up a requestor that wants to know the type of symbol being created (movie clip, button or graphic) and a name for it.

The master symbol can be changed through symbol Edit mode (double click the symbol in the library.) Instances can be named in the Properties panel. Changing an instance of a symbol on the stage does not change the master copy. If a symbol is dragged out of the library an instance of it (a copy) is created. Library folders can help avoid same file name problems. A Resolve Library Item Conflict requestor appears. (If the Library is not open, open it with Ctrl-L.) If a symbol is dragged into the Library and it has the same name as an existing symbol, the new symbol replaces the old.

Moving an element to the library converts it to a symbol. Enter symbol edit mode by clicking the + button in the library. A graphic can be placed in a symbol by entering symbol edit mode and importing the symbol into the symbol stage. For example the alpha/opacity of a bitmap cannot be keyframed for dissolves but a symbol can be. A bitmap (any imported graphic file) is not as controllable as a symbol.

#Types of symbols in adobe animate how to

In this chapter, we will be looking at how to make and use symbols, as well as a consideration of the three symbol types and their uses.Ī symbol is a reusable image, animation, graphic, movie clip, sound file, font or button that resides in the library. They help keep file size down, aid in organization, and allow you to use ActionScript to manipulate their appearance. Symbols are really the foundation of interactive project development.