by Nathan Lindsey

We took a look at Flash 5 and came to the following conclusion: Flash 5 is a better program than Flash 4.

The Bezier Pen tools are a huge step in the right direction. Before, those who were used to Illustrator or FreeHand were severely limited by Flash 5's selection of drawing tools. Bezier tools are much more intuitive, and add a great deal of usability to Flash 5 that wasn't present in earlier versions.

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Among the best-liked additions are the new ActionScript development tools, which allow Flash to utilize variables, conditional logic, and run-time manipulation of object properties. These features were available in Flash 4, but the interfaces were severely limiting for programers. The new design allows Flash 5 users to do more things more easily. In general, the new 'power' features were a success. In addition to the ActionScripting, our developers liked the XML transfer support and the HTML text support, both of which provide for richer Web experiences.

The new customizable menus option allows the user to design his own Flash 5 experience, so one can do things in a format that he is familiar with. Big plus. Another feature which makes moving around in Flash 5 easier is the addition of tabbed panels, which are reminiscent of the interfaces of other popular software packages.

Also, things like motion and shape tweening can be done within the original window, rather than spawning a new window, which was a source of annoyance for many Flash 4 users. The fact that more things can be done all in the same window greatly improves Flash's usability.

Flash 5 is not without problems, though. Much of the new interface has ended up being more confusing than helpful. One example of this is the actions panel, where the new selection procedure is not at all intuitive. In addition, introducing text elements requires the use of three different panels. We can't really figure out why these three panels couldn't just be condensed down to one, as has been done in other Macromedia products like Freehand and Fireworks.

Despite these less intuitive elements, Flash 5 offers an improved creative experience. Macromedia stresses that Flash 5 is "Approachable, Creative, Standard." Well, two out of three ain't bad. Flash 5 does offer greater integration of Web standards like ActionScript, XML, and HTML, as well as well as the ability to publish in Flash 4 format, so it is 'Standard.' Features like the Bezier Pen tools, MP3 Import, and Shared Symbol libraries also make it more 'Creative.' While Flash 5 is 'Approachable,' and some of its new changes improve certain aspects of usability, we think it is slightly less 'Approachable' than Flash 4, which is the only reason that it didn't receive 5 Geeks.

Flash 5 is available in a standalone version for $399, or as part of the Macromedia Flash 5 Freehand 9 Studio for $599. Registered users of Macromedia Flash can upgrade to Macromedia Flash 5 for $149 or the Macromedia Flash 5 Freehand 9 Studio for $249. Professional developers who are registered users of Macromedia Flash can purchase the Macromedia Flash 5 Generator 2 Pro Developer Upgrade for $649, which includes Macromedia Generator 2 Developer Edition at half of its $999 price until December 29, 2000.

Part One