Set up your workspace

First, you'll open the start file for the lesson and set up your workspace to use an optimal layout for taking lessons.

1. To open the start file, in Flash select File > Open. Then do one of the following:
   • If you're using a Windows 2000 or XP operating system, browse to <boot drive>\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Macromedia\Flash MX 2004\<language>\Configuration\HelpPanel\HowDoI\BasicFlash\start_files and double-click text_start.fla.

     Note: If the Application Data folder is hidden, you'll need to change your Windows Explorer settings to see the folder.

   • If you're using a Windows 98 operating system, browse to <boot drive>\Windows\Application Data\Macromedia\Flash MX 2004\<language>\Configuration\HelpPanel\HowDoI\BasicFlash\start_files and double-click text_start.fla.
   • If you're using a Macintosh operating system, browse to <Macintosh HD>/Applications/Macromedia/Flash MX 2004/First Run/HelpPanel/HowDoI/BasicFlash/start_files and double-click text_start.fla.

   Note: The BasicFlash\finished_files folder contains completed versions of lesson FLA files, for your reference.

2. Select File > Save As and save the document with a new name, in the same folder, to preserve the original start file and to preserve the file's link to dependent files.
3. Select Window > Panel Sets > Training Layout to modify your workspace for taking lessons.
4. In the Stage View pop-up menu, in the upper right side of the Timeline, select Show Frame to view both the Stage and the work area.
5. In the toolbar, click the Selection tool. Then in the Timeline, click the Static Text layer to select the layer you'll work in.