FLASH QUESTION: PhotoShop layer effects into Flash

[Chris G]

When bringing PSDs as layout into Flash, is Flash able to preserve the layer effects?

In other words, if I create some artwork in PhotoShop, and I use layer effects to add a stroke, apply a gradient, etc. Will Flash be able to import those effects with the layer?

[HomeBrewed]

it depends on how you import it into the library. It'll come into flash as one layer I believe, but all the effects should still be maintained.

[Chris G]

Ok, because I'm working with a developer, and I've never experienced this before, tons of layer effects have been stripped from the design when be brings it into Flash.

thanks

[micro]

flatten the PSD, that will preserve the effects.

[Chris G]

Ha, but no. These are elements that have to animate. There are many items that cannot be flattened.

[HomeBrewed]

There is a way to save swf files out of photoshop- I'm working on a big psd-flash project right now, I'll give you the lowdown later if you want.

[sir_smokealot]

Could you not just save each layer as say a PNG file, and then rebuild it in flash?

[uglybogus]

you should rebuild those layer effects in flash, it will save a ton of file size and shouldnt take too long. just flatten the large shapes that animate, rebuld them in flash. its a standard practice.

[HomeBrewed]

That's about right. If you export every layer as a png, then your filesize will be too big. Effects like shadows and things can be applied to mc's in flash and should retain smaller filesize.

[Chris G]

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you should rebuild those layer effects in flash, it will save a ton of file size and shouldnt take too long. just flatten the large shapes that animate, rebuld them in flash. its a standard practice.

Yes, well, the dev is doing a bit of a sloppy job. I'm sending over pretty fat decks of instructions on what he needs to fix.

He's good on the programming end. He's much more a coder than an animator and definitely not a designer. He's getting the job done with some sophisticated functionality, but he's not very detail oriented, aesthetically speaking. Fonts not coming in right, effects disappearing, things not aligning correctly, transitions not behaving gracefully, and copping some attitude with me about being expected to fix them. Fortunately, after a rough client meeting on Friday, he is now coming to the realization that I am in fact his boss.

And thanks everyone for the input. I'll be better informed to discuss with him, and hopefully be better able to help him help me, so to speak.



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