1. Accessing and Manipulating Objects

ActionScript gives everyone the ability to add interactivity to graphics, video, and other items that are placed on the Stage. In order to add this functionality, ActionScript needs a way to access the various objects that are on the Stage. In this opening section, you’ll learn how to access these objects so you can later add basic interactivity.

In this chapter, you’ll learn how to change the visual properties of objects that you place on the Stage. To do this, you’ll discover more about the importance of converting objects to symbols and giving objects names, called instance names. You’ll create your first ActionScript code to change how things look on the screen. Along the way, you’ll learn some powerful tools to help Flash communicate back to you through the Output panel with messages that can help you see how your code is working.