Design Methods for Flash Sites

I want to design a site in Flash. Now, what is the best way to go about doing that?

Many of us feel that we have to do at least one site completely in Flash. If for no other reason than to say that we have done it. So, I am not going to argue that other means of design are superior or not.

Here are two methods of designing a site completely in flash:

• Loading Multiple SWFs: Using this method, you design your site so that each major "page" or sequence of animation is contained in its own flash file. The thing that makes these files different is that each of them has a blank F1 with a stop command in it and a Label on F2 identifying the sequence. From your main timline on your base movie, you can preload all or only some of your SWFs and have them automatically sit on that blank F1 unseen and unheard until you call for them. You will load each SWF into its own level. Then, when needed, you can activate the SWF by using the Tell Target _levelX and Goto and Play (label) commands. You can also load SWFs into Movie Clips instead of levels and call the MC instead of the Level.

• Calling MCs on a single long timeline: Using this method, you design the site so that each major "page" or sequence of animation is contained in its own Movie Clip. You will then design your site off of your main timeline, dragging each movie clip onto the stage and placing it in a sequence down the timeline. Each movie clip will be on Level 0 and will have its own label name. You will likely use Tell Target _level0 and GoTo and Play (label) commands to fire off each sequence as you need them. You have to place stop commands at the end of each MC sequence unless you want it to play on. This means that everything is placed in a single Flash file, so size and download time can be a consideration. The strategic use of preloaders will help to keep the flow smooth.