Flash: The Interface

Flash has a relatively straightforward interface, not too dissimilar from that of Adobe Premiere or Apple's Final Cut Pro. Below the screenshot are a few details.

Flash Interface
Click for Enlargement

Layers Window: The Layers window lists the layers at work in the document. The layers in a Flash document work much like those in other Macromedia programs--like layers of acetate in animated cartoons. Each layer contains a piece of information and is 'above' or 'below' other layers. The Layers window shows which layer you've got selected, and the layers around it. For more about layers, see the Layers page of introductory concepts help.
Timeline Window: The Timeline is drawn from the "movie" metaphor on which the program operates. Each part of a flash movie is called a "frame," and the linear alignment of these frames is shown on the timeline. The vertical line that moves horizontally on the timeline is the "head," which shows you which frame is being displayed in the Stage window.
Stage Window: The Stage window is the place the action occurs. Whatever is displayed in the stage window is what is present in the frame being displayed (by the head in the timeline). As you assemble your movie, you will place and manipulate objects on the stage. In Flash, all the world's a stage, and your objects, merely players.
Other Windows: Like other Macromedia programs, numerous other windows will open around the main interface window. Among these will be the toolbar, the object window, and the action window. Each of these will be explained in turn.

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