Creating a Preloader in Flash

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a Preloader in Flash using ActionScript 2.0.

Open your flash document and set the frame rate from 10 to 25 fps and add another layer called “Actions”.

Create a Static Text Box (with some text saying “Loading” or something) on the first frame, which you will transform into a MovieClip named ‘Loader1_mc_insider’.

Transform the text box you created into a Movie Clip. Call it whatever you want (’Loader1_mc’), and press ok. Double-click the MovieClip so you can edit it. <ake the text box inside the Movie Clip into another Movie Clip (i.e. ‘Scene 1 > Loader1_mc > Loader1_mc_insider’). In ‘Loader1_mc’, click ‘Loader1_mc_insider’ and change it’s alpha to 0%. On frames 10 and 20 (still inside ‘Loader1_mc’), insert Keyframes (F6). On frame 10, change ‘Loader1_mc_insider’ ’s alpha to 100%. The alpha of ‘Loader1_mc_insider’ should still be 0% on frame 20. Motion tween from frame 1-10, and make the ease of the tween ‘-100%’. Motion tween from frame 10-20, and make the ease of the tween ‘100%’.

You now have a flashing word ‘Loading’ or something.

Go back to Scene 1, make sure Loader1_mc is in the centre of the stage (Doesn’t matter, just neater). In the Actions layer, type the following:

ifFrameLoaded (_totalframes){
_root.gotoAndPlay("start");
}

When you Create your game or movie, all you do is insert a new layer called “Main”, call the SECOND frame “start” and add the game/animation from there.
FAQ:

Q:
When i play the movie, my Preloader just flashes on and then the animation starts. it doesn’t “Load” the Movie. Why?

A:
After pressing CTRL+Enter, Select View > Simulate Download OR just press CTRL+Enter again.

Thanks for taking the time to read this tutorial, have fun