Member Avatar for FOOLY

For some reason, when I try to shape tween an animation in Flash, I'm unable to do it. The option in the Insert toolbar is unable to be clicked, while Classic and Motion tween are given and clickable.

Do I have something set wrong that is causing Shape Tween to not be an option?

Thank you!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Member #46692

Dani AI

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Short answer: the greyed-out Shape Tween is almost always about the authoring context (what’s on the timeline and what kind of document/objects are selected) rather than a broken Flash install. pointed in the right direction — a shape tween operates on timeline vector shapes and requires the proper keyframe setup. ()

Checklist of the most common causes and quick fixes (try these in order):

  • confirm a start keyframe and an end keyframe exist on the same layer (select a frame between them before choosing Insert > Shape Tween).
  • make sure the artwork in those keyframes are raw vector drawing objects, not symbol instances, grouped objects, bitmaps or unbroken text; convert problematic items with Modify > Break Apart (text must be broken apart twice).
  • ungroup or distribute multiple shapes to separate layers if several objects share a single layer.
  • check that the layer/frame isn’t locked, a guide that disallows editing, or inside a document type where features get converted/removed (HTML5 Canvas migrations can change or remove some features).
  • if the artwork is being created at runtime with ActionScript, a timeline shape tween won’t apply — MorphShape objects are generated by the authoring tool when a shape tween is created, not constructed directly in code. ()

A simple diagnostic: in a brand-new FLA create a rectangle in frame 1 and a different shape in frame 30 on the same layer, select a frame between them and choose Insert > Shape Tween. If that works, the problem is specific to the original file’s objects, layers or document type; if it doesn’t, preferences or installation/environment issues are more likely. ()

offered to look at the AS file — useful if the file uses runtime drawing or unusual publish settings. If sharing the FLA, include the document type (AS3 vs HTML5 Canvas), a screenshot of the timeline showing keyframes/layers, and a copy of the FLA; keep a backup before using Break Apart since it permanently converts instances/text into raw shapes. ()

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Member Avatar for JasonHippy

Wow, it's been absolutely ages since I used the Flash IDE. My memory of it is hazy to say the least. I use the Flex SDK nowadays and do everything exclusively in AS3 code. But if memory serves I think shape-tweening is only available to shape objects on the stage.
e.g. Geometric vector shapes created using the Flash IDE's drawing tools. I don't think they're available to other objects on the stage (buttons, movieclips, sprites etc.)

I could be wrong, but I think that's the case!

Member Avatar for Member #46692

Attach your Actionscript file.

If this is AS3 I can help.

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