Tutorial #6

Using Frame Actions to Create a Loop
Download the source file

For this example we will build upon the SIMPLE MOTION TWEEN file. Click here to download the file. Here are the steps to adding a FRAME ACTION:

1. Insert a new LAYER.
   Click the add a new layer icon at the top of the stage. It's good practive to keep all of your actions on one seperate layer. It makes it easier to keep track of them in case changes are needed.
   
   
   
2. Editing the layer name.
   Double-click on the default layer name to put it in edit mode. Type in the new name ACTIONS.
   
   
   
3. Opening the OBJECT ACTIONS PANEL.
   In the timeline, double-click the first frame of the ACTIONS layer to open the ACTIONS PANEL. Double-click PLAY from the BASIC ACTIONS PANEL. This adds the command PLAY to the timeline.
   
   
   
4. Add the ending frame action.
   Actions can only be added to keyframes so we'll need to add a keyframe to the ACTIONS layer. Right click in frame 30 and select INSERT KEYFRAME.
   
   
   
5. Add the looping action to frame 30
   Double click GO TO to automatically add the GO TO ACTION. GO TO FRAME 1 and PLAY is selected by default. Close the FRAME ACTIONS PANEL.
   Your screen should look similar to this one.
   
   
6. Play the animation.
   In order to play the animation on the stage you will need to ENABLE SIMPLE FRAME ACTIONS. Select CONTROL / ENABLE SIMPLE FRAME ACTIONS.
   
   
   
7. Select enter to play the animation and see it loop.