FLASH - Typewriter Effect:

FLASH - Typewriter Effect:

1. Open a new project and click on the first fame. Add 50 frames or so to the time line.
This can be done by hitting F5 or selecting frames, right clicking and selecting insert frame.

2. Go back to frame one. Select the "Text Tool" type out the text you wish to use.
Set the properties of the text to your needs (font, size, colour.) The properties menu should be at the bottom of the screen. If not select Window > Properties > Properties from the top menu bar.

3. Right click on the text and select "Break Apart." All the letters should now have their own box around them.

4. Ensuring all letters are still selected right click again and select "Distribute to Layers"

5. Each letter should now be on its own layer. This will allow you to move the starting frame for each letter along the time line. Select the first frame on a letter then click and hold while dragging the frame along the time line to where you think it should go. The out come should look a bit like this:



Notice that I have left a bigger gap between the start of a new word as there will be a break between words as the space bar is hit but this wont be shown.

And you're done. Now preview your work by selecting Control > Test Movie from the top menu bar (or mac: Command + enter / win: Ctr + enter).


Download the flash.fla here.


These simply plain effects can be altered very easily to create a very interesting effect. This below example has changed the font to represent a typewriter and added a sound effect for each tap on the typewriter. I have also changed the rhythm of the typing to be a more realistic hand pattern.

(*Note: there is sound for this example so use speakers/headphone to get the full effect.)
(**Note: the "replay" button is there so it does not continuously loop and drive you mad!)

Download the flash.fla here.