Intro to Flash 4

Defining a symbol can be done in two different ways:

Way 1: Select the object and press F8 (shortcut to Insert>Convert to symbol).

Way 2: Press Ctrl + F8 (shortcut to Insert>Create New Symbol). This edits the object in a new window.

Once you chose the way you want to define the symbol you are faced with different options:

• Name - define a name for the Symbol
• Graphic - use this option for the static images throughout the site. You can use these   symbols in making movie clips, certain button effects and even in making other graphic symbols.
• Movie Clip - use this option to make reusable pieces of animation that have the same   options as the main movie. You can use these symbols in making button effects, graphics or just in the movie.
• Button - Use this option to make standard buttons that respond to certain mouse   events.