Flash export options

The Flash export options window includes options to create a preview movie and set the exported sound format.

Video options

• Image Compression.The bitmaps in the exported Flash file are compressed to shrink the file size. Higher compression means that the exported movie file will be smaller but the export process will take longer.

• Export frame rate. Higher frame rates will give a smoother movie, but increase the file size.

• Scaling. Select a width and height smaller than 100% to shrink the movie. Note that scaling Flash output usually produces small but visible horizontal lines in the movie due to limitations in Flash technology.

Audio options

See Sound export options for more help.

Autoscroll

The movie can be trimmed to a smaller size and automatically scrolled during playback to keep the mouse cursor in the movie frame. For more help see Autoscrolling exported movies.

HTML Templates

On most users PCs, Flash movie files (SWF files) cannot be opened and played straight from Windows Explorer. When BB FlashBack Express exports them it also exports an HTML file that displays the Flash movie. Users open the HTML file to see the movie.

The default HTML file is very simple - it just shows the movie against a white background. You may want to add more to this page, displaying a company logo or description of the movie, for example. BB FlashBack Express will let you do this by  adding a new HTML template.

How to add a new HTML template:

1. Go to the 'HTML Template' tab on the Flash export options dialog.

2. Select the 'New' button and give the new template a name.

3. Click the 'Edit' button to enable the HTML to be edited, or click the 'Select' button to select an HTML file you have already prepared.

4. The HTML can be edited in the dialog. In the exported HTML, the <SWFOBJECT> tag will be replaced by code that displays the Flash movie.

5. Click 'Save' when the HTML has been changed to your satisfaction.

You can select the new template via the 'Template name' combo box at the top of the 'HTML Template' tab and this HTML will be used in the export.

Adding playback controls

To improve the viewing experience for your audience, BB FlashBack Express can add playback controls to exported Flash movies. This allows the viewer to pause, rewind, continue and navigate to different areas of the movie with a media player-type interface.

You can select one of the playback control bars that come with BB FlashBack Express or you can create your own controls, if you have a Flash authoring program.

For more help on adding customised playback controls, see Customising the Flash playback controls.

How to add playback controls to a Flash movie:

1. Go to the 'Playback Controls' tab on the Flash export options dialog.

2. Check the 'Add playback controls to an exported movie' check box.

3. Select the 'Pre-installed looks' radio button.

4. Select the appearance you want. All selections have identical functions - it's just the look of the control bar that varies.