Vector
Graphics Vector graphics use computer
algorithms to describe shapes, lines, animation, etc. The technology
of vector graphics is growing in popularity because the images
are scalable and smaller in file size, a plus for online viewing
and downloading. Vector graphics were developed in response
to the limitations of raster-based graphics (popularly known
as GIF and JPEG) because raster graphics use pixel-by-pixel
definitions. (source
www.netlingo.com)
The
power of flash lies in its simplicity, which translates into an
easy way to pack more, cleaner graphics into a web page. Below are
explanations and examples to provide you with more information on
how this works. With this furthered understanding, we hope that
you may come to feel that flash files, do indeed have a place on
your website.
Scalable
graphics - there is no such thing as pixelation
in a vector graphic so, once created, it can go from a tiny spot
on the horizon to filling the entire browser screen without altering
file size! <--
a traditional (2K) jpeg image vs the same sphere graphic in flash
vector format (only 1K)-->
By
the way, is there a little blank square above? This page deliberately
does not have the "missing flash player plug-in" redirect
script. If you still don't have a flash player plug in but are curious
and want to view the difference in file types (and some other neat
stuff); click here.
The images being
compared below are enlargements of the two above. The jpeg green
sphere already was twice the file size (2k vs 1k) to achieve the
same quality, and yet the flash graphic still can be enlarged, a
lot, more without altering its file size. When you are waiting for
images to download, this makes a terrific difference!
graphic
type:
vector
jpeg
2x
larger
3x
larger
4x
larger
but
wait! there's more...
#2
Animation
with interactivity!
#3
Logos
or other text that fades, moves and 'morphs' into different shapes.
#4
Far
less limitations than traditional html pages, with the ability to
integrate into normal web site pages, frames etc..
#5
Flash
graphic movies are very flexible. For example, they can be
incorporated into more traditional presentation venues, such as
Power Point, via Quick Time or AVI movie clips.
...if
you can imagine it, then it probably can be made.
Of
course, there are a few reality checks... The
primary limiting factors in flash movie sizes is number of graphics,
the images' details and the size of sound files or traditional jpeg
or gif images as above, that are incorporated into the 'movie'.
Creating a "Jurassic Park" quality detailed animation
is not going to happen... Hollywood is coming, but the average internet
user doesn't have the connection speed and browsers aren't the best
vehicle for this level of animation.
Also:
Many users are reluctant to download or may be behind corporate
'firewalls' which prevent them from downloading internet features.
This fact means you might want to consider how to tailor the most
important pages on your site to be as global-viewing 'safe' as possible.
Browsers that do not have the Flash plug-in automatically installed
may require that users make a small side trip to download the player
plug-ins if this is the first time they've encountered a Flash page.
Some of the latest reports indicate that 80% of all internet users
have flash player plugins, and most of those remaining 20% users
referred to above are not likely to be without it for much longer.
The answer:
A 'redirecting' script can also lead a user to automatically download
the Flash Player so that they too can see the more exciting portions
of your site. Plus there are also a variety of applications and
ways to make sure that even if your users don't have and maybe even
don't want the flash player, they can still view a similar
version of the page (see "page
includes: example 1"), or even your old site.
Decisions.
Decisions. The functionality of the site should always take
primary consideration so that users don't get lost or stuck if their
trusty old machine won't allow them to view that page filling, high
definition, fancy graphic display which is the entry to the site's
most important page, such as its primary commerce generator!
Fortunately,
you can now have a good deal of both worlds in the same site with
ease.
Above is a traditional
animated gif file-type webpage image, which was originally created
as a Flash movie and then converted to an animated gif for users
of browsers not supporting Flash plug-ins. This is exceptionally
useful for getting the most mileage out of a new image being branded
to a site. If your old static logo needs a little spice, there is
a variety of ways to utilize animation; such as using the animation
to help better define your company's purpose using a few key words.
Example 2
Interactive Animations
What better
way to bring in visitors than putting a little something on the
web site that they can have some fun with while using? Word of mouth
is still a powerful tool in an era of highly competitive, easily
accessible shopping.
The more fun
a visitor has interacting with a web site, the more the visitor
may be likely to stay and look around the rest of the web site.
Image may
be nothing, but humans still like to look at neat things...
Make them smile!
This entire
page is an example of a combining traditional web page writing with
more flexible flash movie navigation tools and user interactivity.
For examples of pages entirely written in flash see the links below.
Be sure to see our entirely flash based online
form, you don't have to use the plain old check boxes and clunky
text fields any more!
SERVICES:
Flash Design Features
<--
a traditional (2K) jpeg image vs the same sphere graphic in flash
vector format (only 1K)--> 
The Logo Animation 
