Flash CS5: The Missing Manual

Importing Photoshop Graphic Files

Photoshop files have a special relationship with Flash, and the import process is very similar to importing Illustrator files, described on Importing Illustrator Graphics Files. The Import dialog box (Figure 10-5) has the same look and layout, but when you look closely at the options, you see some differences. That's not surprising, since Photoshop specializes in raster or bitmap images, while Illustrator focuses on vector graphics (sometimes called drawings).

The "Import to Stage" dialog box for Photoshop files shows you a scrolling list of Photoshop layers. Turn on the checkbox for each layer you want to include in the import process. Click the layer name to highlight the layer, and you see options listed on the right. The options differ depending on the content of the layer.

Here's the rundown on the import options you find in the Photoshop "Import to Stage" dialog box:

Figure 10-5. When you import Photoshop graphics, Flash gives you a boatload of control over the process. Using the "Import to Stage" dialog box, you can tweak the settings on individual layers of the Photoshop file so you get exactly the tools you need for your animation.

Import options for bitmaps

• Import this layer as. You have two choices for importing bitmap layers. Choose "Bitmap image with editable layer styles" if you want to tweak the layer settings in Flash. If all you need is ...