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IntroductionThis tutorial introduces how to draw and change lines in flash. It shows how to use the Arrow and Subselection tools in this regard. Color and length changes are discussed.
The Line tool (N) is selected by selecting the Line tool icon shown in the image. A line has two anchor points, one at each end of the line. To change the length of a line use the Subselection tool.
To draw a line, click on the Line tool, then move the cursor to the stage (white area). Click and hold, and a small circle appears (see image 1). Move the cursor and then release the mouse button. A line appears in the screen. You must keep the button pressed as you drag, and you should see the line being drawn, as you drag. Image 2 shows the final result.
The color of your line on the stage is determined by the color selection. In the image, a blue is selected. To change the color selection, follow this procedure.
Select the Arrow tool, and then click on the line on the Stage. Click on the color icon and select a new color from the pop up menu. Note in the left hand corner of the pop up menu, the selected color is shown. This changes as the cursor is moved over the palette.
On the palette, select the desired color and see the line color change.
The more advanced color options, are taught in another tutorial.
A line has two anchor points. To change the length of the line, follow this procedure.
To move the line, select the Subselection tool, and then click on the line object. When the cursor is a filled square, then the whole line can be moved.
Select the Subselection tool to change the position of an anchor point. Select the Subselection tool, and then move the cursor over one end of line, and watch for the cursor change (shape). When the cursor is an square outline, then an anchor point can be moved.
Press the left mouse button and drag the end anchor point.
The image shows a line changing length and also the direction changes. Note the unfilled square representing the anchor point being moved.
To move the line, select the Subselection tool, and then click on the line on the Stage. When the cursor is a filled square, then the whole line can be moved. Press the left mouse button and drag the line to a new position. Image 1 shows the two anchor points (filled squares), and note the color change (blue). This color is shown in the layers menu (see Image 2)
A straight line can become curved by using the Arrow tool. Select the Arrow tool and drag the left mouse button. The first image shows the line changing shape, it therefore shows the original straight line, and new curved line being created. The second image shows the final line, which is curved.
This tutorial introduced lines in Flash. Lines can be drawn using the Line tool selection from the Flash Toolbox. I explained also how to change a line's shape, color, and length. I introduced anchor points and how the Subselection tool is used.