To quickly see Flash 5 syntax for a script from a Flash 4 file, open the FLA in Flash 5. The script will be converted to the new syntax. (Do not save unless you want the FLA to be permanently converted to a Flash 5 file.)
Preserve rich text (HTML) formatting within editable text boxes using the Text Options panel.
Automatically link text blocks to URLs using the Character panel.
Use the onClipEvent action to assign actions directly to movie clip instances.
Create "smart" movie clips that can easily be reused and customized.
Use the Actions panel's Expert Mode setting to type ActionScript commands directly into the panel's text window or use an external code editor (for advanced users, only).
Create ActionScript (As) files in an external editor and use the Include action to include the code during SWF export.
To allow sounds to be started and stopped interactively, put the sound in a movie clip as a streaming sound. Then, use the Tell Target action to start and stop the clip.
Use device fonts to minimize file size and download time.
Using full paths for URLs ensures that they will resolve to the intended path.
Loop short sound clips rather than using a single long clip whenever possible.
For large imported sounds use the Stream Sync setting and stretch the sound over a number of frames.
Use bitmap images sparingly. To reduce the file size added by bitmap included in the Flash movie change the JPEG Quality setting in the Publish Settings dialog
To retain definition and clarity of imported bitmaps, disable smoothing for that image only.
To perform shape effects on text, use the Modify > Break Apart command to change the text from a font to a shape outline.
Leave a few empty frames at the beginning of all your movies, to make adding frames before your content easier.
Control a movie clip or a movie that was loaded with the Load Movie action by using the Tell Target action.
