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:
- 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.
- Making the LIBRARY SYMBOL active.
Click on the LIBRARY SYMBOL NAME in the LIBRARY. The symbol
appears in the viewing window above the LIBRARY.
- 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

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- Position the second wing.
Move the wing into position and send it to the back of the
layer.

- 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. |