Effective Web animation

With the development of new, sophisticated techniques and tools that make animation a viable option on the Web, incorporating animation into Web pages has become de rigueur for Web designers. Yet many designers fail to utilize animation, or continue to rely on older, less-effective techniques.

Effective Web Animation will bring you up-to-date with the latest tools and methods for creating eye-catching animation that won't clog bandwidth space or take forever to download. This book provides an overview of computer animation techniques and in-depth information on producing complex--yet efficient--animation using tools such as GIF, JavaScript, and Macromedia Flash. In particular, the text focuses on methods for minimizing file size and techniques for reducing time spent on the tedious process of creating individual frames.

Unlike other books that approach Web animation as a sideline of Web development, Effective Web Animation is the first to treat the topic at the in-depth level required by mainstream Web designers. Inside you will find comprehensive information on such topics as:

• Advanced GIF animation, with a focus on optimization techniques, looping, timing, palettes, and integration
  
• JavaScript animation, including interactive and random animation techniques
  
• Adobe Photoshop, and how it can emulate traditional cell animation techniques
  
• Advanced animation using Macromedia Flash, including an in-depth look at powerful features such as Movie Clips and Tell Target
  

Many full-color examples and case studies illustrate techniques and showcase various animations made possible by today's tools. The accompanying CD-ROM features sample code, demos referenced in the book, numerous customizable animations (in layered Photoshop format), and ten additional tutorials.