How to Create a Shape Tween in Flash-Tutorial

Tweens are a programmed command in Flash that allow for easy animation without having to draw frames-frame by frame.  There are three types of tweens starting with Adobe Flash CS 4.  This tutorial will take a quick look at the shape tween.  We’ll take a look at how to create a simple animation using the shape tween and how easy it is to implement into your project.  Here’s a video that explains how to create a shape tween in Adobe Flash…

iPad users watch the video here> How to Create a Shape Tween

How to Create a Shape Tween in Flash-Step by Step

Begin by opening up a new Flash file in Action Script 3.0.  Set your framerate (fps) to 24.0.  24 frames per second will ensure that your animation is smooth.

shape-tween-frame-rate

Now go to your toolbar and choose a shape to begin with.  For this demonstration, I will use a shape tween to turn a red circle into a green square, so I will use the oval tool to draw a red circle onto the stage.  Be sure that the stroke (pencil) is not activated, or is blank.  Your shape tween will do some weird things if it is not.

shape-tween-draw-circle

Go out to the frame that you want the shape tween to be completed on.  Right click and select “insert blank keyframe”.  It is important that you insert a blank keyframe as opposed to a keyframe.

shape-tween-insert-blank-keyframe

Now go back to the toolbar and select the rectangle tool.  Pick a different color from the paint color selector and draw a square in a different location on your stage.

shape-tween-draw-square

You are almost finished.  Go up (or Down) to your timeline. Right click anywhere in between the two keyframes (circle and square) and select “create shape tween

shape-tween-insert-shape-tween

Now you can quick export your movie by clicking “ctrl” + “enter” on your keyboard.  Your finished animation using the shape tween should look something like this…