Shape Tweening

Shape tweening can only occur between drawing objects, not symbols. The before and after shapes must be on the same layer in different keyframes. To make multiple shapes to into multiple other shapes, each individual change MUST happen on its own layer (or in its own movie clip.) We will make three shape tweens that begin as shapes and end as our initials. We will also learn how to add a stop action on a frame. We will include a background layer.

1) Create a new movie clip symbol called shapetween1 (Insert/New Symbol)
2) While in the movie clip’s timeline, Frame 1, use either the circle, square or pencil, to draw one small basic shape (e.g., star, bird, ball, arrow).
3) TIP: remove the outlines from circles or squares to get a better-looking tween. Also, keep it simple —just one shape. To do more complex tweens we will put each drawing object on its own layer.
4) Go to the timeline, and choose Frame 20
5) Insert->Keyframe (F6)
6) While still on Frame 20, open the action panel (Window/Actions)
7) Choose Stop from the + Menu (this prevents your movie from looping forever).
8) While still in Frame 20, go to the stage and delete your shape.
9) Type your first initial. Select the text by choosing the type tool and dragging over it.
10) Use the character tab, or menu Text/Size to increase the font size to at least 72 pt., then choose a new interesting font.
11) Click the solid arrow in the toolbar and select the letter again, choose Modify/Break Apart. If you text has more than one letter, you will have to repeat this step and break it apart one more time. Your text has now become a drawing object.
12) Select Layer 1 in the timeline.
13) Go to the property inspector panel.
14) Choose Shape from the drop down menu. The layer should turn green and an arrow should appear between Frame 1 and 20.

REPEAT the steps above TWICE so you have a total of THREE Movie Clips with SHAPES turning into three different LETTERS.

1) Drag each of your movie clips to the stage and place them where you’d like them. You can insert keyframes to stagger the start of each.
2) Test your movie (hit the return key for a quick preview, or control return to Test the Movie).
3) Return to the main timeline to put on the finishing touches.
4) Insert/Layer
5) Draw any background scene that will enhance the look of your finished product. Lock this layer when you are done.