The concept of Layers is not new in Designing. Anyone who knows Photoshop is aware of this useful feature. Layers may be thought of transparent sheets that can hold objects. While developing a very big animation, you may be confused with the sheer number of objects you have to use. But if you distribute those objects in different layers, then the work process can be made much easier. You can systematise various elements with the help of Layers, and these layers are like containers for various objects. You can now work independently-editing text, images etc., of a layer. While you work with an object of one p~rticular layer, the objects on other layers are not affected.

To edit the objects of a particular layer. first you have to select the layer in the Timeline. Once a layer is activated. a pencil icon appears just after the layer or the folder name. Although you can only activate one layer at a time. you can select more than one layer at once. When you start creating a Flash document. only one layer is shown. In order to insert various elements into a document. you will need to insert a number oflayers as well. You can hide and lock layers. and can customise the layers as well.

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Layers do not increase file size of the SWF tliat you are creating. it's only when you add objects into a layer that the file size increases. You should always use a separate layer to insert sound in Flash documents. as well as a layer for ActionScript. To insert a layer in the Flash document. all you have to do is go to: Insert > Timeline > Layer You can also insert a layer by clicking on the Insert Layer button. This button can be found at the bottom of the Timeline.