Explanation of how 3-dimension images can be used in Adobe Flash animations. Also refer to 3D, 2D, marketing, advertising, games development, realism, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
3D in Flash
by Ron Kurtus (revised 23 July 2002)
Vector drawings created in Adobe Flash are primarily flat and in 2 dimensions. Basic gradients can be applied to some objects to give them the look of 3 dimensions, but in essence Flash is a 2D application. There are some tools that will create simple Flash animations in 3 dimensions, as well as Web sites devoted to 3D Flash.
Questions you may have include:
- What is 3D about?
- What tools can be used?
- What 3D Flash Web sites are worth checking out?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
What 3D is about
Flat drawings are acceptable on the Web, but an object with depth certainly look more realistic. This is especially true and necessary in advertising and game applications.
3D car looks more realistic
Animations in 3D can be as simple as rotations or may be having the object simulate reality.
Software
Software available for developing 3D Flash images, include:
Insane Tools 3D Flash Animator - $49.95 - A simple Flash animator with basic 3D drawing tools. Trial version available.
Electric Rain Swift3D - $159 - 3D vector drawing tool that produces Flash files. Can do some animation in 3D.
Web sites
Web sites specializing in 3D Flash include:
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flash/3d_animation.html - 3D Animation development articles from Adobe
Creating real-time 3D objects with Adobe Flash MX dynamic drawing tools - http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flash/articles/flash_3d.html
http://www.kirupa.com/developer/actionscript/3dindex.htm - Scripting 3D in Flash (includes source code)
Summary
3D in Flash is a real possibility that can add value to some animations, especially in marketing and games.
Seek excellence
Resources
The following are resources on this subject.
Websites
Books
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
1. What is the advantage of 3D images?
2. What software can you use to create 3D Flash images?
3. What is another way of creating 3D Flash?
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Flash development. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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3D in Flash