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There are at a minimum, three types of files you'll need to understand when working with Flash. The source files have an extension of .fla, these are the largest file types and are never sent to the Web. These are your working files. Then there are the file types with the extension of .swf, these files are exported to the Web along with the HTML files. Lastly, the actual Web page codes that hold the .swf information are the .htm or .html files. (Dreamweaver loves to use the three letter .htm format).
The Source .fla Files
You can open and edit any .fla file as long as you own Flash. These files can be accessed from both a PC or MAC operating system. These files are your sources for the movie, they are never published.
Exported .swf Files
When your movie is ready to be published on the Web, you export an .swf "Flash
Player" file. This file requires a Flash Player plug-in that comes bundled with
browsers. (Any visitor to a Flash site without a Flash Player will be able
to download one in a few seconds from Macromedia via a Prompt on their screen.)
The Hosting HTML File
Flash will generate the proper code that will be inserted into your .html file. If you are using Dreamweaver, it will be automatic after selecting the proper button on the Common Tools Bar.
When you are ready to publish your work to the Web, you will use the Publish Settings dialog box. In this box you can decide all the file formats you intend to distribute. Additionally, parameters for each can be specified through the tabs that appear. (You can determine which tabs show by specifying in the preferences.)
Page Updated on January 28, 2003
