Keeping FLASH files SMALL

What dictates file size?

[jennij]

I've been using FLash *lightly* for a couple of years and now I'm getting more into it. I've done a couple of 'cute' things but I'd like to figure out what elements make the file size larger. Obviously when you add anything it's larger, but I'm sure some things (eg graphics) have a greater impact.. maybe scripting? Text?

so- Flash gurus- HOW DO YOU KEEP FILE SIZES SMALL? any general knowledge, tips, tricks

[korkus2000]

1)Clean out your library of any unused items.
2)Try to stay away from rastor graphics.
3)Use movie clips for anything redundant.
4)Use vector text and try and keep the anchor points of your vector shapes to a minimum.
5)Tween whenever possible instead of frame by frame.

[jeremy goodrich]

Something about the way you have the movie load can make a huge difference...the flash file is partly loaded, then starts, and then the rest is downloaded after the fact.

That way, the user doesn't have to wait for the flash / animations to start - they get the more immediate visual satisfaction, without the long wait typically associated with the format.

However, I don't know how this is done - only that is the way my wife gets the files to load quicker. :)

<added>
korkus2000 has a much better idea of it - lol
</added>

[vapor]

actually korkus2000, cleaning out your library will do nothing to reduce file size when exported as a .swf...flash's library is very similiar to the real thing, you take only what you need...you can have 100 images in your .fla library, but when you generate the .swf it only pulls out the files you use in your animation....

the best (and most difficult) way to do your animations is to avoid tweening altogether and use actionscript...here is a link to get you started...:

[philterdesign.com ]

[jennij]

Wow! Nice resource.

How does TEXT affect it? This is going to seem REALLY contorted; but I have noticed that if I create text in CorelDraw, export it as a swf, Import into Flash and manipulate that, the file size is smaller (?maybe) It may be something unrelated I'm not considering.

The other thing I have to work on is BREAKING UP FLASH. I have some Flash templates we purchased a while back- they're whole site templates ALL in 1 Flash file! I'm trying to learn to break it up so it will load in a reasonable time.

[Caimin]

If you have a large amounts of static text, using the "device fonts" option will use the font from the user machine, rather than embed the font in the SWF. Just be careful you use a very common font - Verdana, Arial, etc.

Using few fonts generally will also lighten the SWF.