The Stage is the visual workspace, or the Document Window, of Flash CS3. It is the large white space that is seen at the center of the workspace, and is like a blank space or a frame where you can insert text, images and graphics. You can also call it the compos¬ing canvas of Flash CS3. You can import and animate various elec ments on to this Stage. The gray area that you see outside the Stage is c;llled the Off Stage area. To view the Off Stage area you must check the Pasteboard option from the "View" drop-down menu: View > Pasteboard. By default, the Pasteboard option is checked, so unless you un-checked it earlier, you don't need to do anything to view it. You can easily place graphics in the Off Stage area if the Pasteboard is on.

The default Stage size in Flash CS3 is 550 x 400 pixels. With resolutions being what they are these days, you might need to change this size. You can just insert the desired value into the Properties panel. By changing the Zoom percentage beside the Workspace option, you can change the view of the Stage size. You can either select a pre¬set zoom percentage from the dropdown menu; or just type the value in the field. A single function can be done in various ways in Flash CS3. We can Zoom in or Zoom out the Stage from the View drop down menu: View > Zoom In View > Zoom Out You can also select the Zoom Tool of the Toolbar and then drag the particular section of the Stage to either Zoom in or Zoom out. The same function ca-n be done from the Magnification option under the View drop down menu: View > Magnification.

The sub-menu shows various Zooming percentages. The 'Fit in Window' sub option under Magnification (View > Magnification > Fit in Window) option helps to fit the stage with the application window. You can restore the appropriate Zooming percentage in case the stage is set to an inappropriate percentage. You can change the background of the Stage from the Properties Inspector. A Colors palette opens when you click on the Background option of the Properties Inspector.

You can choose your desired color from the Colors palette. The background changes immediately when you select a color from the Colors palette. To zoom in or out by a specified percentage. select View Magnification. and select a percentage from the submenu. or select a percentage from the Zoom control at the upper-right corner of the Workspace.