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Exporting and Saving Paths in Flash


Apr 8th 2008

1.     To start this tutorial off we will begin by briefly talking about what is a Vector image and why they are useful.  In media art, they are 2 main types of imaging format called Raster and Vector.  Bitmaps, .jpg's, .png's, etc are types of Raster images, while .eps and .ai are examples of Vector images.  Raster images are based off the Square Pixel or the Grid method depending on the Bit Depth and Resolution.  While Vector is formatted off a Round Pixel, which is based off a mathematical world and relative to the scale and position of the objects.  The major difference is that Vectors or Round Pixels have the ability to be 'true scaled' or will retain the actual shape regardless of output size.  Rasters (like photos) however are subject to extra compressions which will simply 'expand' the size of the image that can cause pixilation and edge loss.  I won't say Vectors can't be realistic but that comes with a lot of time and skill.  There are some short cuts but they only cut you short. 

 

2.     Below is an example of the difference between Raster and Vector at a close scale.  Note the boxy pixilation in the Raster and how the edges are smooth in the Vector (see Fig1).  The Vector was re-created by hand in flash and will retain that scale, no matter the size.  A lot of Vectors come in the form of .eps, but I suggest always having or making an .ai version as well.  I have noticed that .eps is excellent for printing but .ai format seems strong as 3d objects.  It's really up to your project to decide.


FIG 1

 

3.     In Flash the ability to use Vectors and Rasters in unison, add even more to its features.  Since Vector paths can be used in 3d applications and rendered into just about anything, knowing what to look for in pre-production will save you headaches and time later.

 

4.      Path Connections:  In flash as with most Vectoring programs, to properly have a useable Vector, general paths should all be connected and closed.  Flash CS3 seems to be better at finding the path point and 'snapping' them together.  I make sure to use the Fill Tool to make sure my Vectors are closed.  If I can pour a fill, then it's closed.  Otherwise, you want to make sure each point and path is closed. 

 

5.      Layers:  It's better to use layers and have different elements within your flash then to try to do it all on one layer.  If you are just making a Raster Image or a .jpg, for example, once you export, things like DPI and coloring begin to matter.

 

6.     If you look under 'File > Export > …As Image' then look under format types.  Vectors are .eps and .ai which is the Adobe Illustrator format (I used 6.0).  3ds max and a few other 3d applications read .ai while others handle .eps better.  For these sets, use .ai.

 

7.      Experiment with building some shapes and exporting them as .ai.  Then open them again in flash from the 'File > Import Image' area.  You will notice a window open (see Fig 2) with options regarding the Vector and its paths.  Here you can play around with the options or just use the default.



FIG 2

fig1.jpg

 

8.     To do text you must outline each letter using the 'N' Key or Line Tool.  Here I just put together some shapes (see Fig 3).  I will be using these to demonstrate the next series of examples how to do different techniques with Vectors.  I won't do text here because I will do that in the 3d application.



FIG 3

 

9.     Although I don't advise use of this next function unless its well suited but, if you have a picture or Raster image open on the stage in Flash, it can attempt to recreate the Vector.  A simple example (see Fig 4) showing the before and after of the conversion, with the functions found by: Selecting the image on the stage then 'Modify > Trace Bitmap '(see Fig 5).  Play around with the settings (for a quick one, set Threshold to 100 and Pixel to 10) to get the look you want.  However, nothing beats the skill of someone who knows how to convert by hand.



FIG 4



FIG 5

 

I have used .ai Vectors made in flash to make everything from roadways and cities to house floor plans to logos and more, by exporting properly formed shapes into 3d programs, which is next.

 

To prepare for the next tutorial, make a Vector with different but separate elements (closed paths) and save it as an .ai file.  I am going to show its use in 3ds max and Blender 3d.  A picture of what I will be using is below (see Fig 5) or if you need it.  HERE in .ai or HERE in .fla.



FIG 6


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