Today, more and more websites are integrating Flash elements into their pages. As a result Flash page designers are having a good time to earn and showcase their skills. Graphics and animations created in Flash are used in websites as users find them attractive. However, Flash is not only about creating graphics, it also encompasses a feature called interactivity. It is interactivity which gives the users a control over the graphics via the mouse, keyboard, and the buttons. These actions on part of the users, i.e., moving the mouse, pressing the keys, or clicking the buttons, are all part of a process called 'event'. Flash recognizes and responds to these things known as events. Events handling is the process in which you make the Flash recognize the events and also respond to them. An event handler detects an event and also directs the Flash how to respond to different events. To create an event handler using Flash CS4, you need to create two functions: a listener, for detecting the event and another to tell the Flash how to respond. A Flash page designer needs good knowledge of event handling as this is what makes the site interactive. Another important aspect of creating interactivity which Flash web designers need to have expertise on is creating advanced Flash buttons. These are simple Flash buttons with extended functionalities. Invisible buttons and animated buttons are examples of advanced buttons. In Macromedia Flash web design multiple generic hotspots for assigning multiple actions can be created using invisible buttons. Hidden hotspots that can react to mouse pointer are created on graphics with the help of invisible buttons. Animated buttons can display an animation in the Up, Over, and Down button symbol keyframes. Another example of advanced Flash button is a more complex button called pull-down menu.

About the author

I am the webmaster at www.synapseindia.com - A web development company offering Flash page designer to businesses in India and abroad.