Why is editing flash files so hard?

I'm trying to edit a flash header file, but it is just so frustrating with Macromedia Flash MX. It takes time to look through all the layers for the part you want to edit, and then sometimes when you try to save it the animation doesn't work anymore.

Is there any other easier way to edit flash files? or any other program that's used especially for editing flash files?

 

I agree. Working on same flash for a days is like entering matrix. Very hard, frustrating and lot of things that must remember over night.

Major problem with flash. I worked in flash years ago. But i stopped. I dont sugest to drink while .fla is not finished. heh

 

Ask someone to do it for you Like myself

 

I usually take the time up front to carefully organize every layer, into appropriate folders. This prevents alot of "where-in-the-hell-is-that-layer?!" when I'm not in the mood

 

Yes, the newest versions of Flash come with some really cool features, but with all the new features comes the increased possibility to mess things up.

Unless you use Flash daily, you will probably become frustrated.

 

Definately outsource it to someone comfortable with it, probably take them 5 minutes to do something you would spend hours on which would leave you to do something more efficient.

 

Isn't there an inspector panel that shows you the location of everything within everything? ie all the instances of each object.

 

One of the best practices in creating anything in flash is to organize your layers before you start creating anything. Also, eventhough, this will take an extra 1 hour away from your flash coding - FLOWCHART your entire project, this will save you time in long run.

 

Yes, that is the way to go, but there is some very badly coded flash out there. I used to work with a 'flash designer', then I went on a macromedia approved traing course for flash. What I learnt and he did were worlds apart. He was sacked soon after for being usless and annoying.

 

Yeah like working on a spelling checker.

 

sorry, definitely

 

Flash in its current ver. is difficult because it is a powerful tool.
You should see what you can do with a wrapper (swf studio, Zinc etc.).

I developed some pretty interesting desktop application.

 

I understand completely. A lot of people who call themselves 'flash designers' only understand things such as tweens. I am training an intern right now, came in boasting to be a hot shot, but now he is in amazement with something as simple as loading external images.

 

it depends on "who" is the one building the flash file at the first place and "how" complicated is the flash file.
For flash interactive game or site, it is not that hard since all are based on actionscript. BUT if it is for those designing for eye candy and created by flash designers who just want to get things done without thinking of usability and the next person to modify his code, it is a nightmare to change the source.
THe better way is to "either" create all new file by your self or outsource to someone knows it best.

 

My exprience with Flash taught me that content mamagement becomes a really big problem once the number of elements you use start to pile up. Utilize layers well. I usually keep all my script on one layer, and catagorize my elements into layers, too. This way, I don't have to do the click fest to select which one i want.

 

um to answer the question of when you save the fla file the swf file doesn't change? you have to publish the file first, just saving it won't change the swf file. ctrl enter all the time after you have made a change. it will update the swf automatically then all you have to do is reload it to your site.

 

LOL, I can relate. Don't let yourself get overtired either. I once dumped all my source bitmaps trying to "clean house" after way too many consecutive hours in front of the screen. I thought I'd lost 80 hours of work, though it did eventually come back together.

Exactly like the Matrix!

 

I hate flash.

What is the program out their that automatically tweens (atleast text animations) for you? I cannot remmeber at this time, but I used it pretty extensively as it had a hole nify set of features and animations that you could copy & paste write into flash itself.

 

oh come on man "new version?" i still use Flash 5 its the best yet and not-so-easy 2 use it
just what i need i'ved seen other versions they suckie xD

 

If your car is broken or needs tunning do you also ask here why is it so difficult to fix an engine for example?
Pay $150 to customizers and dont f*ck with it ;-)