Review: Flash Text Effects

Flash Text Effects is a third party plug-in for Adobe Flash that allows users to create complex animations using text without having to use complicated tweening or actionscript.

The application consists of two flash components that you apply to a dynamic text field in which you designate a specific instance name.

The first Flash component, TextFX, goes right on the text box that you create. From here you designate the actual words you will be animating. You also have the option to link to external XML files and to color links, open URLS and set loops or move on to the next frame.

But the real meat of the plug-in is the next phase of the operation and that is putting the TextFXStep on the stage. Now you are telling the application timing and delay options, fade in properties, tween models and bezier shapes plus a whole lot more.

In some ways as a long term flash user I am very impressed with this plug-in. But as a new user to it I'm a little disappointed in some of the lack of intuitiveness of the program and what looks to me like a lack of presets that come with the plug-in. It's a little hard right off the bat getting the text to behave as you would like, such as falling from the top letter by letter, but I'm sure it can be done.

Overall, I would say that this plug-in is worth a Flash Developers time and belongs in your toolbox, but the learning curve might be a little steep.

An example animation that I made can be found here: http://www.stacypaul.net/

Reviewer: John Collins