Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Killer Tips

Often, when we work with sounds and images, we are not quite sure how much they'll add to our final file size. This is especially true if we're recompressing them using Flash settings. Well, this doesn't have to be a mystery.

Double-click any image or sound in your Library and, in the Properties window, you'll see a Test button. If you press it, you'll be given information under the compression settings about the size of the asset in question. You can then change the settings and test again to see the effects. Not only do you get this mini-report on file size, but you also get a preview of the output. If you are testing a sound, the sound will play for you, and if you're testing an image, you'll get a mini-preview in the top-left corner of the window. Use this tip to help you determine the best individual settings to balance quality and file size.