Got what is probably a very amature question here, but I guess that is what I is- an amature

Hope some one can help

I downloaded a calendar flash file to add to the web page I am helping with but I do not understand how to get it from my unzip files onto the web page, let alone open it up to edit it

I have done all my page editing in Frontpage 2000 and got the calendar from http://www.flashcomponents.com/detai...f&id=358&link=

The tutorial on the site didn't seem to help me at all
Can any one walk me thru this?
Please

When you unzip the file, does it come out as a swf file?

it says calendar_8.fla and then I cannot open it past that

what flash do you use? Do you use flash MX? because if not, it maybe because the format to that file is just for flash MX and any other, older flash's can't read the file.

well, I'm not quite sure if I sm using any thing particular to open it with, what should I be?

Forgive me agin for my ignorance, I am so new with this.

Yes, if it's a flash below Flash MX and if the file that you want to use was made in Flash MX, you'll be needing Flash MX to open it...

and the reason you're not able to use the file on your site is because it has to be in .swf format... not fla... and the only way to make it into a swf format is through flash.

would you please tell me what I need to download to make this work and then how I go about making it a swf format

many thanks

you need to d/l Flash MX

ekk,
I'm sorry but is there any other way or have I been very naive?

I purchased this calender file assuming it was ready to down load and run because my computer can view flash on other web sites. I guess I just assumed.

I just looked at the price of Flash MX. Ughh.. I wouldn't have download the calender if I knew I had to buy more.

Guess I am naive,huh?

So you DON'T have flash in your computer?

well, I when I go to web sites that have flash videos and such, I can view them. Is that what you mean?
But I do not have any programs wher I can create flash files.
At least I do not think I do

I think what's being left out here is that there are two types of Flash files. .SWF files, which are read-only files that you see on websites and can be opened by any flash player. And there are .FLA files, which are editable files able only to open using a flash editor.

.swf files can be embedded in webpages, or opened separately by your browser if you have the Flash plugin installed (which you do if you are able to view Flash movies).

.fla files are only able to open with Macromedia Flash (versions vary). These are the "native" files, meaning the movie was created in the Flash (editor) program, then exported as a .swf file to be viewed by everyone.

If you have a .fla file, you will have to purchase Macromedia Flash. The most current version is MX 2004 (which will run you anywhere from $500-700 depending on where you purchase it from). The older versions (i.e. Flash 4 and Flash 4) are cheaper, but harder and harder to fine. Macromedia has trial versions that you can download.

I did explain the two fotmats.

ok, I downloaded Flash MX, now what?

Just simply open it up and resave it as a swf???

Har har.. ya, simple as that, huh....

Pretty much.

Just open up the file with Flash, then go to File >> Export Movie and save it as a .swf file.

thanks a million zillion,
but just one more quick thought before I get this all done.
Willl I be able to access this flash in swf format to edit it just in something like Frontpage, once my trial of flash mx is done or will I be stuck?

To edit a flash file you have to use Flash And then you have to reexport it. Frontpage may allow you to include this file in your page, and to mangae it's position... By the way, did you see that you may publish your .fla file like .htm file? You may publish your file as .htm and then open it and... Do want you want

ooooo....I CAN!! I'm so excited!!! This is sounding hopeful yet!!

Are you saying I can save the .fla as a .htm or the .swf as a .htm? (I'm getting a brain cramp here)

I got hte .swf open open in my FP. How do I save it as a .htm and how would I add it to my web page?

Thanks agin, I must be sounding like a nusiance.

I just have no luck with finding answers in help menus, try as I might!!

You can't save the .fla as a(n) .html, because, well.... flash doens't export html. Once you get the .swf file exported with flash you'll need to use the object and/or embed tags to put it in an html page. Thankfully these are included with most wysiwyg editors, so just look for a way to place a flash file in your html page, upload both files to your webserver, et voila, you're set.