Flash Tool Modifier Shortcuts

By Doug Sahlin

Part of the Building Flash Web Sites For Dummies Cheat Sheet

The Flash tools you use to create dynamic Web sites have modified settings that enable you do even more. Have a look at the following tables to see how you can modify Flash tools and use shortcuts to achieve the effects — whether you're using Windows or a Mac:

Tool	Modifier Action	Windows Shortcut	Mac Shortcut
Oval and Rectangle tools	Constrain shape to a circle or square	Shift-drag	Shift-drag
Oval and Rectangle tools	Draw from the center	Alt-drag	Option-drag
Oval and Rectangle tools	Constrain shape to a circle or square and draw from the center	Alt-Shift-drag	Option-Shift-drag
Line tool	Constrain lines to 45° increments	Shift-drag	Shift-drag
Line tool	Draw from the center	Alt-drag	Option-drag
Line tool	Constrain lines to 45° increments and drawn from the center	Alt-Shift-drag	Option-Shift-drag
Brush and Pencil tools	Constrain strokes to vertical or horizontal	Shift-drag	Shift-drag
Pen	Add points	Click to add a straight point; click and drag to add a curve point	Click to add a straight point; click and drag to add a curve point
Selection tool	Use the Selection tool to move and rotate shapes while constraining direction	Shift-drag	Shift-drag
Selection tool	Move a selected element by one pixel	Select the object(s) and click an arrow key	Select the object(s) and click an arrow key
Selection tool	Move a selection by eight pixels	Select the object(s) and then press an arrow key while holding down the Shift key	Select the object(s) and then press an arrow key while holding down the Shift key
Selection tool	Use the Selection tool to create a copy of an object	Select the object and then Ctrl-drag	Select the object and then Option-drag
Subselection tool	Convert a corner point to a curve point	Alt-drag	Option-drag
Zoom tool	Switch between Zoom In and Zoom Out modes	Select the tool and then press Alt to zoom out; release the Alt key to change modes	Select the tool and then press Option to zoom out; release the Option key to change modes