October 29, 2004 12:48 PM    
 
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Tutorial

Editing a Library Symbol / Making Flies Fly
Download the source file

Here are the 10 steps to editing a LIBRARY SYMBOL. We'll start with the motion guide file created in Tutorial #2:

  1. Opening the LIBRARY.
    Select WINDOW / LIBRARY from the MENU BAR at the top.

    After the LIBRARY is opened your screen should look similar to this one.
  2. Making the LIBRARY SYMBOL active.
    Click on the LIBRARY SYMBOL NAME in the LIBRARY. The symbol appears in the viewing window above the LIBRARY.
  3. Putting the symbol in edit mode.
    Double-click the SYMBOL in the LIBRARY VIEWING WINDOW. This opens the SYMBOL in an EDIT window. Now you can edit the symbol by changing it's properties adding other components or anyway you like. To verify that you are in edit mode check that the SYMBOL NAME is visible at the top of the screen
  4. Grouping the symbol.
    Using the black arrow tool from the toolbar draw a marquee around all of the symbol components. Then, using the keyboard enter Ctrl+G. Now the symbol will remain intact and resistant to absorbing other objects drawn on it.
  5. Drawing the wings.
    Select the oval tool from the toolbar. From the STROKE COLOR PALETTE select a dark gray color for the wing stroke. From the FILL COLOR PALETTE select a light gray color for the fill. Now draw an oval shape on the stage.
  6. Rotate the wing for more realism.
    Group the wing by repeating step 4. With the wing selected (a blue line should be around it) select the ROTATE TOOL from the OPTIONS TOOL BAR. Handles appear around the wing. Mouseover any of the corner handles. A line of circular arrows appear around the handle. Now move the mouse and the object rotates in the direction of mouse travel.
  7. Positioning the wing.
    Using the ARROW TOOL drag the rotated wing into position. You'll notice the wing is on top of the body. To send it to the back of the layer select Shift+Ctrl+ Down Arrow from the keyboard. The wing must be selected to move it.
  8. Duplicating the wing.
    With the wing selected, enter Ctrl+D on the keyboard. This creates a duplicate of the first wing. Next select MODIFY / TRANSFORM / FLIP HORIZONTAL from the MENU BAR. This makes the wing a mirror image of the first wing.
  9. Position the second wing.
    Move the wing into position and send it to the back of the layer.
  10. Exiting EDIT MODE.
    Click SCENE 1 at the top of the stage and this will exit edit mode. You'll notice that your circle has now been changed to a crude looking fly.

These are all the steps needed to edit a LIBRARY SYMBOL.

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