FLASH TEMPLATES

(dynamic and premium flash templates not included)
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Basic | Editing | Miscellaneous | flash tutorial

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Basic

Q: What files do I get after the transaction has been processed?
A: What you get would be a .ZIP file. Unzip it before using. If you do not have Winzip tool installed in your machine, please visit http://www.WinZip.com or http://www.Pkware.com. Content of .zip file will be .fla file (Flash source file).

Q: What is a SWF file?
A: A SWF file (that with a .swf extension) is a compiled, viewable only, flash file. You would use this format by way of means of presenting through the web. You can export this file along with the HTML file in Flash MX if you have the .fla file.

Q: Then what is the FLA file?
A: A FLA file (that with a .fla extension) is the source, or editable version of the flash template. From here you can modify your template and produce FLA files for presentation via the web.

Q: Do I have to be a Flash expert to edit the template?
A: A basic knowledge of Flash is required to edit our templates.

Q: What kind of modifications can I do to the templates?
A: You can add content, incorporate your logo(s), add/delete a section, add/delete pictures to them as long as you are familiar with Flash MX.

Q: I can't seem to open all the templates that I have downloaded?
A: That could be because you are using a version prior to Flash MX.

Q: I get 'unexpected file format' when I try to open a template, why?
A: This is because you are not using Flash MX

Q: I don't have Flash MX, where can I download it?
A: Please visit Macromedia http://www.macromedia.com/software/ for further information.

Q: Can I use any other software like MS FrontPage to edit the Flash templates rather than Flash MX?
A: No.

Q: Are any of the templates compatible in MS FrontPage or Swish?
A: You can edit them only with Flash MX, although a smaller number of templates such as "Casual", "Athletic", "Professional", "Cheerful" as well as "Sparkle are editable using Flash 5.

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Editing

Q: How do I change the text in my template?
A: Simply select the text that you wish to change using the pointer tool and double click on the text area in order to change the text. Here you can alter the text size and font as well using the properties window (Ctrl+F3).

Q: I can't seem to find the content easily within the template to change it?
A: It is usually far easier to locate the content by opening the library window (F11 or Window Library) and selecting each item until you find the content needed, double click on the icon associated to the left and Flash will kindly bring up the element for you to edit.

Q: Can I change content such as images or music?
A: Yes. You can change all the images and music within your template. Simply locate what you need to change and replace them with your own files.

Q: How can I change the audio file for the templates?
A: Open the library (press f11)
- >Find the background sound file (the file name varies in different templates).
- >Delete the file (however be sure to write down the file name).
- >Import another audio file (e.g. MP3 file).
- >Rename the new file to the former one.

Q: Can I link my Flash template to a database to display content?
A: Yes. Flash has a built in XML parser so that you can transfer data from your database.

Q: The content on my site needs to be changed from time to time and I don't want to keep changing the template, is there another way?
A: Yes. What Flash offers is dynamic text boxes. In order to replace your static content with dynamic content do the following:
1. Select the text box that you wish to be dynamic. Using the Properties window (Ctrl+F3) change it to a dynamic text box, assign it a variable name in the 'Var' input box this will be used in the next step.
2. Next create a .txt file and type the following:
Variable name = and your text here for the text box in question.
3. Open the Actions window (F9) and navigate to the Browser/Network folder and double click 'loadVariables'. Then to tell where your content is simply type in the URL of the text file created.

Q: Can I change the background image of the templates I bought? How?
A: Yes. Please refer the following steps to change it:
1. Open the library (press f11).
2. Find the background graphic (the file name varies, depending on the different template)
3. Double click that graphic file, in the timeline click each key frame and replace the background picture to whatever you want (import another background picture).

Q: Is it possible to run a video clip in your templates?
A: Yes. You may import the video clip (.RM file, .AVI file, etc.) to a movie clip and then you can drag it anywhere in the Flash MX.

Q: I just bought the "Silk" template but the mask doesn't seem to be working properly, why?
A: That's because you don't have the latest flash player installed. You can download it here: http://download.macromedia.com/pub/flash/updates/mx/player6/fp6_update_r79.exe

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Miscellaneous

Q: I want to produce an .exe file from my Flash Template, how do I do it?
A: 1. File/Publish Settings
2. Uncheck all checkboxes except "exe"
3. Hit "publish"

Q: How do I make the Flash presentation auto-start from a CD when it is inserted into a CD driver?
A: First you will need to compile the file into an .exe as not all PCs will have a Flash player. Then you need to add an "autorun.inf" file to the CD, which will contain the following instructions:
[autorun]
open=filename.exe
NB. where filename.exe is the name of your exe file created for viewing.

Q: Can I edit my template using a Macintosh?
A: Yes. For further info please visit
http://www.macromedia.com/support/flash/ts/documents/mac_ie_issues.htm

Q: I am worried that my target audience won't be able to see the Flash Templates via the web?
A: According to Macromedia over 95% of PCs have a plug-in to display flash installed. It comes packed with Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Mac OS.

Q: What happens to the other 5% then?
A: They will be offered to download the Flash Player if they use Microsoft IE, or if they don't wish to, then you should offer a HTML version for them to view.

Q: Do you brand your templates in any way?
A: No. There is no form of branding within the templates.

Q: I can't seem to download the templates I have ordered. Can you help?
A: Yes. Please send us an email to info@hotplum.com and we will deal with the problem promptly.

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