Here’s a sneak peek of the new version of  the FrameSync Flash extension. These new features should save you even more time!

Sorry that the audio quality is so low. The video was recorded in a hurry. Now, back to work…

Getting bored with this non-comparison. Drew a picture:

If you want more of this “debate”:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVjIsL8qwNw
• http://www.flashstreamworks.com/archive.php?post_id=1272747220
• http://blog.streamingmedia.com/the_business_of_online_vi/2010/05/h264-is-a-codec-flash-is-a-platform-one-cant-kill-off-the-other.html
• http://chargedweb.com/labs/2010/05/03/apple-truth-revealed/
• http://ntt.cc/2010/05/02/jinnis-thoughts-on-flashstrongly-recommend-to-read.html
• http://www.blixtsystems.com/2010/04/apples-master-plan/

Version 1.1.0 now has the ability to batch-merge textframes within every page of the current document. I had several requests for something like this (including from a recent donor). Here it is! The download links above have been updated.

The new version now has the “Apply to” and “Ignore locked layers” as shown in the image below.

Note that any warning messages about having too few textframes selected have been delayed until after the dialog box appears to reflect the new options.

Downloads of the new version are available on the original post.

Want a good way to move your extension request to the top of the list?

Here’s a quick extension by request. This extension adds a command that can batch name instances in multiple frames. Just select the frames and run the command.

Download
(Compatible with Flash MX 2004 & later)
INSTANCE – multi-name.mxp

This extension adds a command that will take a selected symbol and overwrite it with an imported file, thus replacing all instances of the symbol. It’s very similar to updating a symbol, except that this allows you to update the symbol with a file that has a different name.

For example, the library might contain a GIF file or a JPG, but the quality is not satisfactory and you want to replace it with a PNG. Normally, you’d have to replace the file with a file that has the same name, but if you select the image that you want replaced in the library and run this command, it will allow you to select any image file and replace the selected library item. Same scenario applies to audio files.

Download
(Compatibility: Flash MX 2004 and up)
LIBRARY – Replace Selected by Import.mxp

This extension adds a command that will take a selected symbol instance, create a new duplicate in the library, and swap the selected symbol for the newly created duplicate.

I use this command when I want to make a symbol that’s very similar to one that I’ve already got on stage. So if I have a button on stage with text inside it and I want another one exactly like it but with different text, I drag a copy using the opt key (alt on Windows), then I run this command. The command prompts me for a new name, I type it, hit OK, and now I’ve got a duplicated symbol that I can go in and edit without affecting the original.

I’ve also added a feature to replace the name if it contains the name of the original symbol. So, say your original symbol is called back and your original instance is called back_mc, if you name your new symbol next it will update the name of the new instance to next_mc. Otherwise, the original instance name (or lack thereof) will be kept.

UPDATE (9/21/09): DaveW correctly pointed out on the CHF forum that this command largely duplicates functionality that is built into Flash with right-click > Duplicate Symbol. It doesn’t do anything with the instance name, but that’s not a huge difference. In the future I may add something to make this extension more unique, if I find it’s helpful. Feel free to post ideas in the comments section.

Download
(compatibility: Flash MX 2004 and up)
Swap Instance for Duplicate Symbol.mxp

Just finished an entry for Phillip Kerman’s Make a Video, Win a free pass to Adobe MAX competition:

Shameless plug: Incidentally, if you’re going to MAX, look for the Creating Extensions in Flash CS4 lab that I’ll be leading.