Multimedia Designs .NET

How to add ANIMATION to your web page

Animations can be either "changing graphics" (.gif), a FLASH application (.swf) or DHTML (JavaScript code that moves text or images around on the page.) ASP.NET and AJAX both offer the more advanced programmer many options for animating elements on a web page. There are many different scenerios in which adding animation to your website is a good use of a multimedia design element. Examples include:

• Creating a first impression
• Small advertisement
• Slideshow of Products
• Photo Gallery
• Rollover Image Effect

Animated GIFS:

You can obtain tons of FREE animated GIFS from many different websites. Simply right/click and select "save as" and then place the graphic in a folder on your desktop. Then upload that image to your web server under your images folder. Next, you simply add code to include the file in your web page.

CODE to add an ANIMATED GIF to your web page

 
   <img scr="images/Card_trick.gif" /> 
 

The end result:

                                              



This animated gif was captured from: www.gifs.net

Basics of FLASH animation

FLASH is a software application developed by Macromedia and later bought by Adobe that enables web designers to create small programs (called "movies") that contain moving objects, interactive shows or on-line tutorials and presentations. The completed published .swf file can then be embedded into a web page by editing the HTML code.  Most web browser have a Flash Player plug-in that enables the end user to view the animated application. If not, they will need to download the FREE plug in to view your FLASH.

Benefits of using Flash (What can it do?)

Flash allows you to provide animations, interactive forms, and a lot more. But in order to create a Flash movie, you have to have the software to develop it. You can download a free trial of Flash from Adobe.

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Limits of using Flash (What can it NOT do?)

In order for the visitors of your web site to view a Flash animation they must have the lastest "player" installed in their browser. Fortunately most visitors already do and new computers come with the Flash Player already installed. But because there is a slight chance they may not have it, it would be smart to provide a link for your visitors to download the player if necessary.

Resources