Flash and Flash Related Components

Introduction

“Flash” is a descriptive term that is widely applied to a variety of different items in addition to the actual authoring application. Below is a list of the main Flash and Flash based components and a brief description of their function.

Flash Movies

Flash Movies -- Anything created with Flash (a Website, an animation, a graphic, a short film) is referred to as a “Movie”.

Flash (FLA) -- The file format used for editing Flash content. Files saved in this format are generally considered to be unfinished and not ready for export.

Shockwave Flash or Flash Player (SWF) -- Referred to as "Swift", this is the file format used for distributing Flash content. Files saved in this format are usually finished and are ready for export.

Flash Player -- The plug-in used to display movies created using the Flash authoring application. Without Flash Player, no computer will be able to play Flash content. Flash Player was recently upgraded to version 6.0.

Flash Generator Studio -- Generator is a server based application that is used to automate Web graphics and Flash workflow. Note: This product has been renamed Macromedia Generator.

Flash Freehand Studio -- Freehand is a professional graphic arts studio application that is used to produce superior Flash movies. Note: This product has been renamed Macromedia Freehand.

Flash - The basic authoring application used by both amateurs and professionals for web based creation. The most commonly available version is Flash 5. The latest version of Flash, known as Flash MX, was recently released.