Flash Symbols

Graphic:
Reuseable static(nonmoving) images used to create animations. Any drawn vector, text or importedphoto, can be converted into graphic symbol.
To create a graphic;
First make(or import) an object, using pen tools, shapes, etc. After an object is created press F8 to turn it into a symbol. It may be best to name it for organizational purposes.
Graphics are used for

Button:
Used for timeline navigation. Used to designate certain actions, such as playing a movie clip. They have 4 states, up, over, down, hit, each of the four can be assigned a specific function. They have 4 frames in their timeline.
First create an object as you did to create a graphic. Select the object and hit F8 to make it a symbol. Select a button behaviour, once again name it to be better organized.
Double click the button to switch into symbol-editing mode. Insert a key frame, by pushing F6.
To create a rollover effect change the color of the duplicate. Hit F5. Save.


Move clip:
Are reusable pieces of flash and have their own unrestricted time line. They are made up of at least 1 graphic or button symbols. They can be manipulated, duplicated and deleted with ease.
To create a movie clip;
Create or import an object, once again just as you did with graphics or buttons, that will be converted to a movieclip, select the object an press F8 to convert it into a symbol.
Select movieclip behaviour and name it(once again be organized). double click to switch into symbol-editing mode and create an animation sequence. Save your work.

Font symbol:
Font symbols are fonts inside a shared library, they can be used in flash without being embedded in the movie, they are instead located in another movie file with other shared items, this reduced the file size and download time for multiple files of the same font.
To create a font symbol;
Open font library, choose a new font this will open font symbol properties dialog, choose a font from the font menu. Name the font and add a style if you wish. Click ok. Go to the library and choose linkage from the options menu, this opens the linkage box. Here select ActionScript and enter an identifier in the text box for the font symbol. Click ok and save.