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Computer Animation Tips

Computer animation isn't just about diving into the software and getting right to work; there are many little external tricks to make the process easier, less expensive, and more enjoyable. These articles provide helpful information on just where to look, and a few tricky little shortcuts that I've discovered over the years.

Flash MX Keyboard Shortcuts
When working in Flash, one thing that can save a lot of time is knowledge of the various keyboard shortcuts.

Flash Tip: Alternate Website for Non-Flash Users
While designing a website in Flash, it's easy to assume that your viewers will not have some version of the Macromedia Flash player. However, you may find that a large percentage of your users either have an older version of the Flash player or none at all. For these users, it's helpful to have a non-Flash version of your website available.

Flash Tip: Maximizing Workspace in Flash MX
Working in Flash MX can get pretty crowded, but there are ways to maximize your stage's work area. The easiest way to do this is to use your keyboard shortcuts to remove panels when you don't need them.

Animation Planning Tip: Storyboarding
Using a storyboard will help you organize your animation, and match you mental visualizations of scenes with the written script.

How to be Seen: What it Takes to Get Your Animation on Television
It seems a farfetched dream, doesn't it: the idea of something that you worked on being played on broadcast television for all the world to see. If you're an individual or a small company, it's not that easy.

Optimizing Video Files for the Web: Codecs
When saving your 2D or 3D animations into video format, don't forget to check your video compression settings and remember that not everyone has the same codec sets as you do.

Keeping Up With the Studios: Breaking into Computer Animation Without Breaking the Bank
Computer animation can be be fun, but it can also be quite costly. If you know where to look and how to shop, it's not that hard to compete with the big boys without spending the big bucks.