In their first full-cycle release since acquiring Macromedia you don’t have to be a detective on CSI Miami to see Adobe’s fingerprints all over Flash CS4. In a live product demonstration broadcast on Adobe TV this morning we got to see a preview of the direction Adobe will be going with Flash and it’s all about seamless integration.
One of the first things I noticed is how similar the new features compare to AfterEffects. The Motion Editor in AfterEffects is excellent and you’ll see it’s basically identical. Object based animation is also very similar to that in AfterEffects in essence giving each symbol it’s own timeline. Another useful feature straight from AfterEffects will show you a series of dots, each representing frames of your path giving you precise control of your animations.
They lifted a couple pieces from Illustrator as well. Most notably what is known as an object sprayer, a tool used to paint symbols to the stage with varying dimensions and the Deco feature with the ability to quicly create kaleidoscope-like effects and fills. The Spray Brush and Deco should open up new possibilities and produce some cool effects.
Can you believe I’ve waited four paragraphs to mention the Bone Tool? The Bone Tool applies inverse kinematics to any 2D image or shape. This could extremely cool if it means Flash will auto-cut an image where you place the skeleton but I can’t find any information on it so we’ll have to wait and see. Either way, seeing the Bone Tool in action is an absolute treat. Who wants to develop flash communities with life-like moveable avatars? Everyone!
Pixel Bender is an amazing way to create custom filters and effects and deserves it’s own article. We’ll spend more time examining uses for it later on.
Motion presets give you the ability to apply a set motion to any object. There are some canned effects such as ‘fly in left’ that you can choose from or you can create your own.
Flex integration! Import your code-only AS3 SWC components into Flash.
And finally! You can search the Library!!! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked for a search field in the library only to inflame my sad realization that there was no such field. Thank you Adobe! Thank you!!
The Great Adobe
September 23rd, 2008
You are welcome.
And don’t forget to add Flash CS 4 to the “Open with:” list
RimV
September 23rd, 2008
Can’t wait
LuizZak
September 23rd, 2008
Awesome
Finally
September 24th, 2008
Provided and saved in history by Google?
Phil
September 24th, 2008
meh
max
September 24th, 2008
great news - I’m very excited by this release… the bone tool looks AWESOME.
ZacharyKnight
September 24th, 2008
Wow, searching the Library…pfft…that’s worth $700, eh? I think I’ll stick to my method…knowing how to organize a library so I can find anything in a few clicks! Ever hear of folders?
So the new Adobe CS4 Suite includes “updates to all product lines, some of which are more maintenance upgrades, and some of which include some nifty new features”…
Here’s a suggestion…why don’t we all tell Adobe to go !@#$% themselves until they can add some MAJOR/VITAL features to ALL the products in a suite before they go and increase the version number and charge us a million dollars for it?
But no, you’ll all give in to the “give us your money every two years whether we deserve it or not” method of software development. Suckers.
The only amazing aspect of Adobe is how they can get away with consistently selling underdeveloped, pseudo-upgrades thanks to the stranglehold that their target market (you) have allowed them to secure.
Maybe the CS4 Illustrator has a History panel after only 10 years…no?…oh, probably not a flashy enough feature to bother with yet.
Enjoy!
- Z -
Jason
September 24th, 2008
Zach I hear you. The Creative Suite is priced out of this world and updates aren’t cheap. Unfortunately, everyone who shares your opinion is under the impression that Adobe is given it’s stranglehold by unknowing nit-wits who live with their head up their can. You’re on an island all to yourself and therein lies your problem.
The truth is they perform and execute at a level above everyone else to earn their monopoly. Remember Corel Draw? I’m grateful for what Adobe has accomplished because it gives the truly talented a lift with their creative and artistic expression. In any effect you’re beef with Adobe is akin to a kid on the playground who complains that he keeps getting dunked on.
You’ll have more people in your corner by pointing out the things you have in common (like a desire for more fair pricing) rather than to chastise your fellow community members for playing by the rules.
vuongsong
September 24th, 2008
can’t wait
tomez
September 24th, 2008
Flash CS4 video feature tour by Lee Brimelow:
http://www.gotoandlearn.com/play?id=87
Cal
September 25th, 2008
Not sure what to make of this. We’ve had what, not even a whole year to adapt to CS3?
Does it have 64 bit compatibility? Well, yes, but only for Photoshop and only in Windows. (hehe - take that maclovin’) The GUI is reportedly slower, but Flash CS4 looks like a true upgrade (can I partially credit my countryman Grant Skinner?)
I for one would like to welcome our Adobe Overlords when they have something completely different (in a good way).
ZacharyKnight
September 26th, 2008
Good points, Jason… (btw, I tend to forget that a person actually writes the article and it doesn’t just appear, so the “you” in my rant doesn’t equate “Jason” but instead “the consumer reading this”)
At any rate, Adobe makes superior products, no doubt. But their business model is shameful at best and should be discouraged at all costs. The main idea is that desiring anything from a company means nothing…only action, or in this case inaction, can send a message.
Why do any of us have to buy the latest suite? The last one worked just fine apparently, as we all lived to see another. If the headlines read, “Adobe’s New Release Ignored By Creatives!” you can bet they’ll be asking us why and our desires will be readily devoured by a company with its tail between its legs…where it should be.
- Z -
Tunde Robert
September 26th, 2008
I need a photo site build help
Ransom
October 1st, 2008
I could use some help with a contact form. I can’t seem to get some of the field to translate in the email that is sent. I am sure it is something silly. Here is my email address-ransom.murray@mortechmfg.com-
thank you ransom
Michael Cole
October 15th, 2008
If anyone is interested, Lee Brimelow at gotoandlearn.com has put up a great video explaining some of the new CS4 features:
http://www.gotoandlearn.com/play?id=87
Michael