Flash Extension: Set Instance Name on Multiple Frames
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
Short URL:
http://ajar.pro/blog/?p=517
Nice. I can see this being very handy. Cheers.
One bug I’ve encountered within Flash CS4 is this:
The following JavaScript error(s) occured:
At line 40 of file “INSTANCE – multi-name.jsfl”:
TypeError: iFrame has no properties
This is triggered every time I select keyframes within a tween. Specifically It is caused when you include the final frame of the tween. Selecting multiple keyrames within a tween works fine until you include the end frame.
Comment by Tim — March 31, 2010 @ 10:47 pm
Thanks for the details, Tim. I should be able to troubleshoot this. Look for a fix in the next few days.
Comment by Justin — April 1, 2010 @ 5:15 am
Tim, I was able to fix this error. I also corrected another minor glitch so that the command will still run on the first frame selected even if it isn’t a keyframe. Download link above has the new version (1.0.1).
Comment by Justin — April 1, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Thank you for this tool I’ve always wanted. You save me lot of time and from clicking those little keyframes, then symbol, then typing a name again and again – until madness
Maybe you can improve it a little by allowing a symbol be a button. I think, that this works:
if(iSel.symbolType == ‘movie clip’ || iSel.symbolType == ‘button’)
Thanx!
Comment by Lubo — May 13, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Lubo, I’ve taken your suggestion and updated the extension. Thanks for your feedback!
Comment by Justin — May 14, 2010 @ 8:51 pm
thanks I’m currently working on a project where I have a lot of similar instances that need to be named like ball1, ball2, ball3 etc. In your function setElementNames I just added the count variable to the end of the new name
iSel.name = instanceName+count;
It worked like a charm. Thanks for a great extension that will save me a lot of tedious instance naming.
Comment by mirek — May 27, 2010 @ 8:02 pm
Hi Guys,
Mirek, thats exactly what i need!
Problem is, im not well versed in creating or modifying extensions, do you think you could upload your extension with the count added in?
Justin, awesome extension. I wasnt aware that flash extensions were this handy until today. Keep up the awesome work!
Comment by Haansplosion — December 6, 2010 @ 12:59 am
Haansplosion,
Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad to hear that the extensions are coming in handy!
Here’s a modified package that appends a number: INSTANCE – multi-name-numbered.mxp. FYI: It restarts the numbering on each new frame.
Comment by Justin — December 6, 2010 @ 2:58 am
Justin,
You are a legend. You have no idea how much that is going to help me.
Thankyou so much, i really appreciate it!!
Comment by Haansplosion — December 6, 2010 @ 4:23 am
You’re welcome, Haansplosion. Glad I could help!
Comment by Justin — December 6, 2010 @ 5:00 am