Lesson #07 Creating and Viewing Layers
Written By Daniel Mitchell

In the main Timeline you may have several layers held within the Timeline. Even though you may only be able to be in one layer at a time you have to keep track of which layers you are in. Layers are like transparent sheets piled upon each other. Layers not only help you organize the content in your document put you can also draw and edit content in one layer without affecting any of the other layers.

At the beginning of your Flash project you will have one layer, but can add more layers to organize your work, animation and any other parts of your document. You can add as many layers as you want to your document and have the option to hide, lock or rearrange layers.

If you are dealing with a large number of layers you can also create layer folders to keep track and manage all your layers. Keep in mind though that it is a good idea to use separate folders for sound files, actions, frame labels and frame comments so you can find these items quickly if you need to edit them.

Creating Layers and Layer Folders

When you create a new layer or folder it will appear above the selected layer.

How to reate a new layer:

• Select the Add Layer button on the Timeline.
• Select Insert > Layer.
• Right-click a layer name in the Timeline and choose Insert Layer.

How to create a new layer folder:

• Select a layer or folder, then Insert > Layer Folder.
• Right-click a layer name in the Timeline, then choose Insert Folder.

Viewing Layers and Layer Folders

How to show or hide a layer or folder:

• Click in the eye column to the right of the layer or folder name.
• Click the eye icon to hide all the layers and folders.
• Alt-Click in the eye column to hide all other layers and folders.