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Overview of Director MX, including system requirements, installation, new features, and resources for learning.
Step-by-step instructions for installing Director on Windows or Macintosh computers.
Highlights new features and improvements in Director MX, focusing on power and integration.
Details Director MX's integration with other Macromedia MX family products like Flash MX.
Explains how Director MX allows creation of content meeting accessibility guidelines.
Discusses new features enhancing Director's power for multimedia content creation and debugging.
Lists resources like books, online help, and the Director MX website for learning.
Describes Director Help as a comprehensive information source for features and Lingo.
Recommends starting with the Director MX Basics Tutorial and 3D Tutorial.
Explains typographical and symbolic conventions used in documentation.
Identifies the default windows in the Director layout: Stage, Score, Cast, and Property inspector.
Describes the Stage as the visible portion of a movie where media elements appear.
Explains the Control panel's function in governing movie playback in the authoring environment.
Details the Score's organization and control of movie content over time using channels.
Describes the Cast window for viewing and organizing media elements (cast members).
Explains the Property inspector for viewing and changing attributes of selected objects.
Details how to set Stage and movie properties like size, color, and channels.
Defines a sprite as an object controlling cast member appearance and behavior in a movie.
Explains how to dock panels to each other or to docking channels for workspace customization.
Describes how to save and restore custom panel layouts for workspace configuration.
Explains how to use markers to identify fixed locations in a movie for navigation.
Discusses Lingo's role in adding interactivity and controlling movie elements.
Explains Xtra extensions as software components that extend Director's functionality.
Covers choices for distributing movies, such as Shockwave format or projectors.
Outlines the basic skills covered in the tutorial for building a Director movie.
Explains Director's movie metaphor: cast, score, stage, and director.
Guides the user to view the completed tutorial movie to understand the final outcome.
Instructs on arranging the workspace and setting movie properties like Stage size and color.
Explains how to use the Cast window to view and manage media elements (cast members).
Details how to edit a text cast member to improve its graphic design.
Guides the creation of the first scene by adding sprites to the Stage.
Explains how to add buttons to the Stage for scene completion.
Describes how to view and edit sprites within the Score window.
Explains how to change the default duration of sprites using Sprite Preferences.
Guides the creation of a simple sunset animation using tweening.
Instructs on using the Paint window to create bitmap graphic cast members like clouds.
Details how to fill a drawn shape with color, including gradients.
Explains how to create vector shapes and their advantages over bitmaps.
Guides the process of adding a cloud sprite and creating animation using tweening.
Explains how to adjust sprite speed and animation tempo in the Score.
Covers adding navigation buttons to scenes for user interaction and movie flow.
Introduces Lingo for implementing user interaction and multimedia effects.
Explains how to import digital video cast members, noting they are always linked.
Details the process of publishing a movie for web playback using default settings.
Outlines the tutorial's coverage of 3D basics, including text creation and behavior usage.
Recommends prior knowledge of Director basics and behaviors before starting the 3D tutorial.
Explains how to create 3D text by converting 2D text and using the Property inspector.
Details how to alter the appearance of 3D text using the Property inspector's 3D Extruder tab.
Guides on using Library behaviors to rotate 3D text and adjust its speed.
Describes how to view the 3D world and its constituent models and sprites.
Explains camera controls for viewing the 3D world from various angles and distances.
Guides on applying the Pan Camera Horizontal behavior for controlling camera movement.
Explains how to add a keyboard trigger behavior to control actions like camera panning.
Demonstrates how to use the Dolly Camera behavior to move the camera closer or farther.
Explains how to change the mouse pointer to a hand when hovering over interactive objects.
Shows how to use behaviors to add navigation to a 3D world based on pointer interaction.
Guides on playing the completed 3D movie and interacting with its elements.
Explains the importance of creating casts for organizing media assets.
Details methods for creating various types of cast members, including text and controls.
Describes the functions of the Cast window for organizing and displaying media.
Explains how to group multiple casts into tabbed panels for better organization.
Guides on how to move cast members to new positions or between casts.
Details how to customize the appearance and behavior of the Cast window.
Explains how to change Cast properties like name and memory loading.
Describes how to view and set properties for individual or multiple cast members.
Explains how to open cast members in internal or external media editors.
Provides methods for searching cast members by name, type, or usage.
Details the process of importing external media files as cast members.
Explains the advantages and considerations of linking to external media files.
Guides on creating sprites by dragging cast members to the Stage or Score.
Explains how to control sprite behavior and appearance in the Score and on the Stage.
Details methods for selecting sprites, frames, and groups of sprites.
Describes how sprite layering is determined by their channel and how to change it.
Lists methods for monitoring and modifying sprite properties during movie authoring.
Explains how to lock sprites to prevent inadvertent changes during authoring.
Covers methods for positioning sprites precisely using coordinates or tools.
Details how the Sprite Overlay displays properties directly on the Stage.
Explains how sprite labels in the Score bars display key information about sprites.
Describes how to use Lingo to check and edit sprite properties during movie playback.
Explains tweening as defining sprite properties in keyframes for Director to interpolate.
Guides on creating sprite paths by dragging keyframe indicators on the Stage.
Details using Ease-In and Ease-Out settings for natural motion in tweened sprites.
Explains tweening size, rotation, skew, blend, and color for sprites.
Describes how to adjust tweening properties using the Sprite Tweening dialog box.
Explains how to exchange cast members for a sprite while maintaining tweening path.
Guides on using the Edit Sprite Frames option for adjusting animation.
Describes creating animation using a series of cast members in sprites.
Introduces Cast to Time and Space to Time commands for animating with multiple cast members.
Explains how to move cast members to the Score as a single sprite.
Details moving sprites from adjacent channels to a single sprite.
Explains using film loops as animated sequences like single cast members.
Guides on setting film loop properties for cropping, scaling, and muting sounds.
Describes animating frame by frame by recording sprite positions.
Explains creating animation by recording sprite movement while dragging.
Details Paste Relative for aligning sprite start frames with preceding sprite end frames.
Explains how Lingo can create and modify animation based on movie conditions.
Compares bitmaps (pixel grids) and vector shapes (mathematical descriptions).
Details importing bitmaps, including color depth and palette considerations.
Explains importing and setting properties for animated GIFs.
Describes the Paint window's tools and controls for creating bitmap cast members.
Guides on repositioning and affecting selected areas using Lasso or Marquee tools.
Details using Paint window toolbar buttons to apply effects to bitmap selections.
Explains Auto Distort for creating animated effects by gradually changing bitmaps.
Guides on moving the registration point for sprites and controlling alignment.
Explains using Transform Bitmap to change size, color depth, and palette.
Details how to control bitmap images using Lingo, including image objects.
Explains how to create gradients in the Paint window using color controls.
Describes selecting and editing patterns for fills and brush strokes.
Explains using Paint window inks to create color effects for bitmap cast members.
Details applying plug-in image editors (filters) to bitmap images.
Explains using Auto Filter to create animated effects with bitmap filters.
Describes onion skinning for creating or editing animated sequences in the Paint window.
Explains using Paste as Pict to retain PICT format when pasting into the cast.
Guides on viewing and changing bitmap cast member properties.
Details compressing bitmap images for faster Internet downloading.
Compares vector shapes (mathematical descriptions) to bitmaps (pixel grids).
Guides on creating vector shapes using tools in the Vector Shape window.
Details using Pen, Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, and Ellipse tools for drawing.
Explains how to choose fill color, line width, and background color for vector shapes.
Guides on editing vector shapes by moving, adding, or deleting control points.
Describes using Lingo to modify vector shapes by setting properties and commands.
Explains how to view and change settings for selected vector shape cast members.
Describes creating simple shapes directly on the Stage using the Tool palette.
Explains how Director manages colors and how to assign colors to movie elements.
Discusses the difference between palette index and RGB color specifications.
Guides on using the Color menu and system color picker to select colors.
Details how to define new colors for a color palette using window controls.
Explains how to change the active palette for specific frames in a movie.
Provides guidelines for troubleshooting issues with incorrect image colors.
Guides on viewing and changing properties for color palette cast members.
Explains tempo as frames per second and how to control it using Score or Lingo.
Details how to set tempo settings in the Score's tempo channel.
Explains how to use Lock Frame Durations for consistent movie tempo.
Describes using the puppetTempo command for overriding tempo settings.
Explains how transitions create brief animations between frames for visual flow.
Guides on adding transitions to the Score's transition channel.
Guides on viewing and changing properties for transition cast members.
Highlights Director MX's text creation features: editable, anti-aliased, and compact.
Explains embedding fonts to ensure proper display regardless of user's system.
Details methods for creating text cast members directly on Stage or in Text window.
Guides on importing text from RTF, ASCII, or HTML documents.
Describes multiple ways to edit and format text using inspectors and dialog boxes.
Explains the fastest way to edit text directly on the Stage.
Details character formatting options like font, style, size, spacing, and color.
Guides on formatting paragraphs with alignment, indentation, tabs, and spacing.
Explains applying formatting changes to entire cast members for efficiency.
Describes the Text inspector's controls for formatting text on Stage or in Cast window.
Explains anti-aliasing for smoother text appearance and its default setting.
Defines kerning as specialized character spacing for improved appearance.
Guides on using Find > Text command to search for and replace text.
Details how to turn selected text into a hypertext link.
Compares field cast members to text cast members regarding editing and formatting.
Explains how to convert text or field cast members to bitmaps for editing.
Discusses the Fontmap.txt file for mapping fonts between Windows and Macintosh.
Guides on viewing and changing text/field cast member properties.
Explains using Lingo to specify text properties like anti-aliasing and kerning.
Details Lingo commands for scrolling text and determining text location.
Explains incorporating Flash vector-based animation into Director movies.
Guides on creating Flash cast members and setting properties.
Details launching Flash authoring tool from Director to edit Flash cast members.
Explains using Lingo for precise control over Director streaming and Flash movie display.
Describes using Lingo to control Flash movie appearance on Stage and bounding rectangle.
Explains how Lingo can flip, rotate, and skew Flash sprites during movie playback.
Details using Lingo to change sprite color and blend as the movie plays.
Explains using Lingo to scale Flash cast members and sprites.
Describes allowing Flash sprites to use cursor settings defined in the Flash movie.
Explains using Lingo to control Flash movie bounding rectangle and registration points.
Details Lingo commands to control Flash movie appearance on Stage and overlaps.
Explains Lingo for controlling and monitoring streaming Flash movies.
Describes using Lingo to control Flash movie playback and interactivity.
Guides on using Lingo to control tempo, frame, start, stop, pause, and rewind.
Explains sprite functions for accessing ActionScript variables in Flash sprites.
Details how Flash movies can send Lingo instructions to Director movies.
Explains creating Flash ActionScript objects and accessing their properties.
Guides on setting up callback handlers for events generated by Flash objects.
Highlights the use of sound for enhancing movie appeal and controlling its quality.
Discusses sound's impact on performance and the need for careful management.
Explains how Lingo offers more flexibility for playing sound than the Score alone.
Details importing sounds as internal or linked cast members.
Guides on setting sound cast member properties like looping and unload priority.
Explains how to control sounds in the Score using sound channels.
Describes using Lingo to play and control sounds independently of the Score.
Guides on controlling how sound cast members play after import.
Explains how to play external sound files that are not imported as cast members.
Details how to use Lingo to control sound channels and actions based on sound.
Explains Shockwave Audio technology for compressing and streaming sounds.
Guides on compressing internal sounds using Shockwave Audio settings.
Explains how Director streams compressed Shockwave Audio and MP3 files.
Describes using SWA Lingo to control streaming sounds and determine stream progress.
Explains synchronizing media events with cue points in sound or digital video.
Guides on synchronizing movie actions with sound cue points using Lingo.
Highlights digital video's role in enhancing movie appeal with animation and sound.
Lists Director's support for QuickTime, Video for Windows (AVI), and RealMedia.
Explains how Lingo enhances digital video control beyond Score capabilities.
Details importing digital video cast members, noting they remain linked to external files.
Describes how to preview digital video cast members or sprites in the Video window.
Guides on controlling digital video properties like framing and Direct to Stage.
Explains Direct to Stage for optimal digital video playback performance.
Details adding digital video cast members to the Score and extending sprite frames.
Explains how Lingo controls digital video playback features like pause and rewind.
Describes using Lingo to determine digital video content like time units and track types.
Guides on controlling digital video tracks, enabling or disabling them with Lingo.
Explains using Lingo to control QuickTime video appearance, sound, and VR panning.
Details cropping digital video by trimming edges using the Property inspector.
Discusses handling digital video on the Internet, including streaming and linking.
Explains eliminating loading delays by preloading AVI digital video.
Guides on synchronizing video and animation using cue points and Lingo.
Details RealMedia support in Director, including playback and scripting.
Describes RealMedia cast members as linked assets referencing external streams.
Explains RealVideo rendering and layering capabilities within Director.
Discusses RealAudio processing via Director or RealPlayer, and Lingo sound control.
Details the RealMedia tab's properties for controlling cast members and sprites.
Defines behaviors as prewritten Lingo scripts for interactivity and effects.
Guides on attaching behaviors from the Library palette to sprites or frames.
Details the drag-and-drop method for attaching behaviors from the Library palette.
Explains how to attach existing behaviors using the Behavior inspector.
Guides on changing the execution order of behaviors attached to sprites.
Describes how to view descriptions and instructions for behaviors in the Behavior inspector.
Explains how to create and modify behaviors using the Behavior inspector or Lingo.
Details how to author custom behaviors using Lingo, including parameters.
Explains how to make behaviors flexible by allowing user customization of parameters.
Guides on how Director lets users set initial property values via the Parameters dialog box.
Explains how to build a property list for a behavior using this handler.
Details how Lingo can run handlers in attached behaviors by sending messages.
Explains how behaviors can use ancestor scripts for handlers and properties.
Highlights how interactivity engages audiences through keyboard, mouse, and web interaction.
Guides on creating basic navigation controls like moving playhead or stopping.
Explains adding built-in UI elements for interactivity in movies.
Details Lingo features for jumping to frames, movies, or Internet locations.
Explains how Lingo detects various mouse actions like clicks and double-clicks.
Guides on making sprites editable or draggable using the Property inspector.
Explains how Lingo can make sprites editable or moveable, with region constraints.
Details Lingo's ability to detect text components under the mouse pointer.
Explains how to trigger actions when the mouse pointer rolls over a sprite.
Guides on determining the mouse pointer's horizontal and vertical positions.
Explains how Lingo detects the last key pressed by the user.
Describes using bitmap cast members for animated cursor images.
Guides on creating animated color cursor cast members using the Cursor Properties Editor.
Explains how to switch to an animated color cursor using Lingo commands.
Introduces Lingo as the scripting language for controlling movies and events.
Provides an introduction to basic Lingo scripting concepts for Director.
Describes the four types of scripts used in Director: behaviors, movie, parent, and cast member scripts.
Explains how Director executes Lingo statements sequentially or based on conditions.
Emphasizes careful planning, testing, and debugging for script development.
Details common tasks for creating, attaching, and opening scripts.
Guides on creating frame behaviors by double-clicking the behavior channel.
Explains how to use a frame behavior to loop the playhead within a single frame.
Guides on creating sprite behaviors by attaching scripts to sprites.
Summarizes important Lingo terms, grammar rules, and punctuation.
Explains how to track and update data using linear and property lists.
Defines variables as storage for values that can change during movie playback.
Details using operators and commands to store and retrieve variable values.
Explains global variables shared among handlers and movies.
Describes local variables that exist only within the handler where they are defined.
Defines literal values as statements or expressions used exactly as they are.
Details how Lingo treats strings as words enclosed in double quotation marks.
Explains using if...then...else, case, and repeat statements for conditional actions.
Guides on repeating actions a specified number of times or while a condition exists.
Provides basic debugging approaches for identifying and fixing Lingo script problems.
Describes basic debugging strategies for identifying and locating problems in code.
Explains using the Message window to test Lingo commands and monitor execution.
Outlines essential knowledge for using 3D in Director MX, including documentation.
Explains the main components common to Director MX and earlier versions.
Details the 3D Xtra for importing and using 3D models and worlds.
Guides on inspecting and editing 3D cast member properties in the Shockwave 3D window.
Explains using the Property inspector's 3D Model tab to view and control 3D world aspects.
Details how to choose rendering methods based on hardware for optimal 3D display.
Explains how anti-aliasing improves 3D graphics appearance by smoothing lines.
Introduces the four types of 3D behaviors: local, public, triggers, and independent.
Guides on easily creating 3D text in Director MX by converting 2D text.
Provides an overview of 3D cast member contents: models, lights, cameras, groups.
Describes the internal structure of a 3D cast member: model resources, models, lights, cameras.
Explains model resources as 3D geometries used to render models, which are reusable.
Defines models as visible objects in a 3D world that use model resource geometry.
Explains shaders as methods defining model surface colors and reflectivity.
Describes textures as 2D images drawn on a 3D model's surface.
Defines motions as predefined animation sequences for models.
Explains lights as sources illuminating the 3D world.
Describes cameras as view ports into the 3D world, controlling sprite views.
Defines groups as collections of models, lights, cameras associated together.
Guides on creating 3D text by first creating 2D text and converting it.
Details how to modify 3D text properties using the Property inspector.
Discusses Lingo commands and properties for working with 3D text.
Introduces the Director MX library of behaviors for building 3D environments.
Details the two types of 3D behaviors: trigger and action (local, public, independent).
Guides on accessing and applying 3D behaviors from the Library palette.
Describes local actions that respond to triggers attached to the same sprite.
Explains public actions that respond to triggers attached to any sprite.
Details independent actions that perform without requiring a trigger.
Guides on attaching 3D behaviors to sprites using the Library palette and Parameters dialog box.
Explains how groups let a single trigger initiate actions across multiple sprites.
Defines models as objects in the 3D world and model resources as their underlying geometry.
Explains model resources as reusable 3D geometries used to display models.
Describes basic 3D shapes (primitives) and their Lingo commands for defining appearance.
Details properties for creating and modifying sphere primitives.
Details properties for creating and modifying cylinder primitives.
Details properties for creating and modifying box primitives.
Explains the complex mesh generator primitive for creating custom geometries.
Describes properties for creating particle systems with default animation.
Explains how to notify models of and respond to collisions.
Details modifiers for playing back animations like keyframe and bone animations.
Lists commands for working with bones animations, including play, queue, and pause.
Details properties for controlling bones animations like playing, loop state, and blend time.
Lists commands for working with keyframe animations.
Details properties for controlling keyframe animations like playback and loop state.
Explains how the mesh deform modifier affects model resources and models.
Defines shaders for controlling model surface colors and reflectivity.
Describes textures as 2D images drawn on 3D models for surface appearance.
Defines motions as predefined animation sequences for models.
Explains lights as sources illuminating the 3D world.
Describes cameras as view ports into the 3D world, controlling sprite views.
Defines groups as collections of models, lights, cameras associated together.
Explains using registerForEvent to specify handlers for specific events in cast members.
Details attaching the collision modifier to respond to collisions with other models.
Explains properties like enabled and resolve for controlling collision responses.
Describes determining which models were clicked within a 3D sprite using Lingo.
Explains 3D vectors and operations for intelligent movement and rotation.
Defines transforms as data objects for model position, orientation, and scale.
Explains the Director global rendererServices object and its properties.
Details properties to control the renderer used by the movie.
Explains how to control most cast member properties using the Property inspector.
Details properties for working with 3D sprites in Lingo.
Explains creating windows (MIAWs) to play multiple movies simultaneously.
Guides on creating MIAWs by specifying window rectangle and movie filename.
Details commands to open and close movies in separate windows.
Explains selecting from seven styles of windows for MIAWs.
Guides on controlling MIAW size and screen coordinates.
Describes using Lingo to crop or scale a MIAW.
Explains using Lingo to control window visibility, order, and title.
Details using the windowList property to display known MIAWs.
Explains how movies can interact by sending Lingo messages.
Describes using event handlers for events occurring while a MIAW is playing.
Introduces the XML Parser Xtra for reading, parsing, and using XML documents.
Explains XML's similarity to HTML but with custom tags and no visual component.
Guides on creating parser objects and parsing XML data using Lingo.
Details accessing nodes (tags, character data, processing instructions) in XML documents.
Explains using Lingo attributeName and attributeValue properties to access tag attributes.
Discusses how the XML Parser Xtra treats white space and the ignoreWhiteSpace() function.
Explains XML's adherence to UTF-8 character set and other supported character sets.
Highlights Director's accessibility features for users with disabilities.
Discusses U.S. government requirements for multimedia accessibility.
Guides on making movies accessible using behaviors or custom Lingo scripts.
Explains the Speech Xtra for enabling Director's text-to-speech capability.
Provides a simple test to verify correct Speech Xtra configuration.
Details Accessibility behaviors for keyboard navigation, text-to-speech, and captioning.
Guides on making sprites navigable with the keyboard using Accessibility behaviors.
Explains applying the Accessibility Keyboard Controller to editable text sprites.
Guides on adding text-to-speech capability to make movies accessible to visually impaired users.
Explains adding text captioning to movies for hearing-impaired users.
Details writing custom Lingo scripts for text-to-speech and keyboard navigation.
Highlights Director MX's memory management for optimizing performance.
Explains the process of automatic unloading of cast members from memory.
Guides on using Lingo commands to force cast members to load or unload from memory.
Recommends not preloading digital video to avoid memory issues.
Provides guidelines for managing resources and file organization for Director projects.
Discusses the importance of testing movies during development to prevent issues.
Emphasizes testing functionality early to catch minor problems.
Recommends testing small parts of the movie as features are added.
Guides on determining system requirements and testing across various configurations.
Suggests strategies like previewing in browser and isolating problems.
Discusses choices for preparing movies for distribution: Shockwave format or projector.
Lists browsers and versions compatible with Shockwave plug-in or ActiveX control.
Guides on previewing movies in a browser to check design, Lingo, and performance.
Explains that Xtra extensions must be installed on the user’s system.
Details managing Xtra extensions for inclusion or download in projectors and Shockwave.
Explains Director movie distribution formats: Shockwave (DCR), projectors, and protected movies (DXR).
Guides on saving work as a Shockwave (DCR) movie for web playback.
Explains creating a Shockwave movie using the Publish command and default settings.
Details changing Publish settings using the Publish Settings dialog box.
Explains how movie behavior changes based on browser window resizing options.
Discusses creating projectors for Windows and Macintosh.
Guides on creating standard projectors and fast-start projectors.
Explains exporting movies or parts as digital video or series of bitmaps.
Guides on specifying options for exporting a movie as QuickTime digital video.
Recommends dividing large productions into smaller movies for easier management.
Highlights Director MX's Internet capabilities: multiuser sessions, streaming, data retrieval.
Explains streaming for immediate playback and background downloading of content.
Discusses Director's ability to perform multiple network operations simultaneously.
Guides on changing basic streaming settings like download frames and placeholders.
Details Shockwave playback options for users, including volume and context menus.
Explains using Flash Communication Server MX for creating multiuser movies.
Suggests arranging the Score and using behaviors for effective movie streaming.
Describes looping behaviors for returning playhead to a frame or pausing until media downloads.
Explains jumping behaviors for skipping to frames or markers after media download.
Guides on using Lingo to check if media elements are available before movie proceeds.
Details using Lingo to obtain files from the Internet and manage network operations.
Discusses how Lingo features behave differently in browsers versus projectors.
Lists Lingo features unsupported in browsers due to Internet security concerns.
Emphasizes thorough testing on various systems and connections before release.
Discusses limiting file size for faster Internet downloads and managing network traffic.
General| Name | MACROMEDIA DIRECTOR MX |
|---|---|
| Developer | Macromedia |
| Release Date | 2002 |
| Version | MX |
| Programming Language | Lingo |
| File Format | .dir, .dxr, .dcr |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
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