How to create a chain effect (timeline)

In this tutorial we're going to create a chain effect together. We're going to use just two instances which we'll chain, but actually there is no limit to their number, except the one of our own inspiration. As you are used by now, I want to remind you that before you start working on the tutorial, you should install the Creative TextFX extension on your computer; if you encounter any problems doing that, please visit “How to install an extension” tutorial.

Click here to download the source file and the required files for solving this tutorial.

1. Open Flash and create a new file.

2. Open the Components panel and drag an instance of Creative TextFX on the stage. Convert it to a movie clip (called, let's say “myEffect1”). Place the movie clip at some integer coordinates, let's say X=50.0, Y=250.0 (you should have the same page dimensions like me, see Step 1).

3. Let's modify a little its parameters; double-click the symbol and open the Component Inspector. We're just going to play a bit with the General section of the effect. Actually, leave everything as it is now.

4. As we have set the duration of the effect to 70 frames, let's do the same on the timeline. Navigate until frame number 70 and insert a frame, and on frame 71 insert a blank keyframe. Next insert a new layer, and insert a blank keyframe on frame number 70 of the new layer (it will be called Layer 2).

5. Now let's insert the second effect. While having selected frame 71 of Layer 2, drag a new component of Creative TextFX on the stage. Convert it to a movie clip (name it myEffect2) and then place it at the same coordinates as the first one (X=50.0, Y=250.0).

6. Double-click the second effect and open Component Inspector to change a bit its parameters. You're going to change the behavior from start to reverse and leave the wait factor to 0 (that's the benefit of using the timeline approach – it reduces complexity).

7. The final step would be to extend the timeline with the length of the second effect. So, on Layer 2, go to frame number 140 and insert a frame.

8. You're ready to preview your work. Press CTRL+Enter and enjoy your chain effect (as we apply the same effect on the same clip, but in reversed way, it's also called Yo-Yo effect).

Thank you for your time and I hope this tutorial was useful to you. I invite you to read the rest of our tutorials and check out our other products on www.extendstudio.com. If you have any questions please contact us at support@extendstudio.com.