Flash 8 Cookbook

2.3. Importing Simulated 3D Shapes from Freehand MX

Problem

You want to import vector artwork that has a three-dimensional appearance from Freehand MX.

Solution

Use the extrude tool in Freehand MX to create a three-dimensional effect and then import the Freehand content into Flash.

Description

You can use the extrude tool in Freehand MX to add some interesting three-dimensional effects to your shapes with just a few clicks of the mouse. It can be a simple, yet effective way to add basic three-dimensional shapes to your Flash application as well. Just use the extrude tool in Freehand, save the document, and then import into Flash following the instructions from Recipe 2.2.

The extrude tool is fairly intuitive. You can find it as part of the standard toolbar in Freehand MX, grouped together with the smudge and shadow tools. See Figure 2-1 for help locating the tool.

Figure 2-1. The extrude tool in Freehand MX

With the extrude tool selected, you can move the mouse over a shape on the stage, click, and drag to cause the three-dimension effect to the shape. Figure 2-2 shows an example of that.

Figure 2-2. Click and drag on a shape to use the extrude tool

After you’ve extruded the shape, you can adjust the vanishing point and the depth by dragging the corresponding points with the selection tool. You ...