a. Launch Flash MX 2004

b. Create new Flash file. Click File > New…

c. Select Flash Document in a new window

d. With the "Rectangle Tool" draw a simple shape

e. Click with a left mouse button on the shape to select it then right click to open a menu. Select "Convert to Symbol" option

f. In a new window type in the name for your new button. Lets name it "My button" then Select "Button" as a Symbol Behavior Property and click "OK"

g. Now you have a new button on your working area. Double click on the shape to enter into the button clip. You should see something like that in the "Timeline panel"

h. Now let me explain why and what opportunities we have here. "Up" frame is a regular button representation style. If button is not pressed and not rolled over it will be displayed as it shown in "Up" frame. "Over" frame is used to make a rollover button representation. "Down" frame appears if button pressed and "Hit" is not visible but extremely important frame that shows actually the size of the button area on which you can click.

i. Insert Keyframes to "Over", "Down" and "Hit" frames. Select "Over" frame and change the shape color.

j. Now lets add some text to our button. Double click anywhere on the work area but outside the shape to exit the button clip.

k. Select the new layer first keyframe and select "Text Tool"

l. Click on the center of you button and type in "Click here!" Set font color, size and font.

m. Click "Ctrl+Enter" to see the flash movie. If you followed the instructions carefully you should get something like the button below.

Click here to download source fla file.

About the Author: Oleg Lazarenko
Production manager of
Metamorphosis Website Design Studio -
Custom design, Website Templates,
Web design Articles and Tutorials.

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