Normally, to create text animation in Flash we either use timeline Motion Tween or ActionScript coding. Motion tweening is very time-consuming and not practical because the text must be broken apart and converted into Symbols. ActionScripting is a better solution, but it will require advance coding skills. Fortunately, now we have TxEff! It is a Flash component developed by Jump Eye Components, for web designers who need to create text animations in a fast and reliable manner. This article will show you how to create video-like text effects with TxEff in just a few minutes.
Requirements
TxEff requres Adobe Flash CS3, ActionScript 3.0, and Flash Player 9+ to play or view the SWF movie.
Effect Patterns
The free/demo version includes 3 basic patterns: Alpha, Blur, and XYScale transitions. To get the advanced patterns, you need to purchase the full license version for $99.97. Jump Eye is continuously building new effect patterns. At the moment, they already have 24 patterns built in their full license version. They promised that by March 2008, we will have at least 50 patterns.
How to use it?
TxEff is very easy to use. Simply create a TextField object on the stage, drag-and-drop the component over the TextField object, configure the parameters (optional), and you are done!
1. Create TextField object
Make a new ActionScript 3.0 Flash file. Use the Text tool and create a TextField object on the stage. Name your TextField instance with the following settings:
1. dynamic text field type
2. render text as html
3. anti-alias for animation
4. embedded fonts
2. Attach component
Open the Components palette, drag the TxEff component over the TextField instance.
In the Component Inspector palette, select [*] from the patternName dropdown and manually enter the pattern name "FallAndGlow". Then drag-and-drop the FallAndGlow component on the stage (it can be store anywhere on the stage or in the Library). You can experiment with the parameter settings or leave everything as default.
Note: Demo version only comes with 3 basic transition patterns. To use the advanced patterns, you need to get the full version.
3. TransitionType hide
In the previous step, I have applied the "FallAndGlow" effect at tweenDuration = 2 sec. Now I want to apply different effect to make the text disappear after the first effect is finish. So, in Frame #60 (2sec x 30fps = 60frames), insert a new Keyframe (F6).
Select the TxtEff instant, in the Component Inspector palette change patternName to "HorizontalDissolve" and set transitionType to "hide".
4. Import effect settings
If you are lazy to experiment with the parameter settings, you can import the effect settings from the TxEff Online Database. Find the effect that you like, copy the effect ID number and paste it in the effect id field and click Import.
Conclusion
TxEff is the best text animation Flash component that I’ve seen so far. It is perfect for making Flash intro or ad banners. TxEff not only can save time, but it can also create video-like effects that are impossible to make without scripting and calculating graphics with BitmapData.
Get your free copy!!
We are giving out 3 full license copies. Follow this link to find out how to get a free copy!
Jordy
This looks very nice!!
greetings Jordy
Carly
Wow it looks like a very helpful tool, unfortunatly, I just remembered I have flash 8 not CS! So you’ll have to take me out of the draw, unless it works with older versions!!!
lryd2l
Seems nice…
Maybe a good improvement for working with flash.
gr
lryd2l
fcuk
Worth the job!
Unfortunately i still use AS2 and i am just planning to learn AS3. Very nice and professional effects.
Raul, JumpeyeComponents
Wow, this is such a great review, and looking at the comments, at the contest page, I just realized that we’ve managed to create a component that is really loved by the audience.
Thanks Nick for all your honest opinions, I certainly agree with your conclusions :P, Also, I must say, there is very high quality stuff here.
If you guys want the component just go ahead and order it because it is on a special promotion now, only until January 17, 2008. However, if you win a license at the contest, we would happily offer you a buyback offer ;)
Frank
In your opinion, what is the best Flash reference book for a beginner/intermediate level designer. I am looking to design sites completely in Flash and have basic knowledge of it. Please respond to my email. Thanks.
Fabian
Nice article!
Daoro
WAAC aka What An Awesome Component !
It’s…. as easy as in AfterEffects only it’s in Flash.
*drools*
Anndie Sood
Awesome Effects. This could really come in handy.
TheJeff
That is going to be a major time savor. Fantastic!
Julie T.
Here’s my comment for a chance to get this awesome component. The video like quality is what really impresses me. Thanks for the great review!
Char
wow! i love this… i’m definitely gonna get this on my shopping list!
Motaz
Here you go! Great component.
glezmen
I don’t know if this is the right place to ask…
but can TxEff used from plain ActionScript (without using Flash CS3 IDE)?
Brendan
Do you know if you can import the working files into AfterEffects??? That would be awesome…
morteza
does it work with arabic font
Philip
If theresomething left – give me it please! =)
Brian
Looks great. Worth trying out for sure.
lloyd
That’s just awesome! A pretty cool way to animate :)
steve
This feels like a paid post. There are components almost identical to this that have been around for years.
David B.
@ steve so what if it is, stop trolling… move on if you dont like this.
Raul
steve, can you give me at least 2 other components similar if not “identical” to TxEff. Most important, can you point out a single text effect component that can be applied in runtime AS3 on dynamic TextFields, and with so many different patterns?
July C
pretty awesome, the hurdle WAS actionscript.
phellipe
OMG, I loved this *-*
aodoe
It is very usefull, I like it and download it soon.
Mohammed
this will really help flash designers
Julen
It is nice, but a bit pricey.
Livingston
Wonderful component. I’d love to try this one and hope that I’ll get one for free from this giveaway contest.
I missed the last one. I’m looking forward for more superb information :)
Rene
really cool effects, i saw components like that before but i have to say this is awesome
aodoe
Good!
Tom
I am impressed. I typically use After Effects to create such effects. That would improve workflow.
Annie-Kate
Hey!
I came across your website of the bloggies site, where I was chosen as a random panelist, and I LOVED the site, and chose it as one in five for the best designed blog.
Good luck!
Annie-Kate
Naveed
Wow, its really great.
An Jay
I am impressed. Keep it up!
werm42
This tool would certainly save countless painful hours when doing banner ads. I wish I would have known about it sooner. I’ve already recommended it to all me designer friends, the only caveate is the need for the flash 9 player. As trite as it sounds most people fail to update their player. Hell, I just screwed up the install (browser malfunction). But people will slowly migrate and this tool will be great for near-future use.
Lawrence the photographer
Wow so cool! Amazing flash stuff
milkr
nice tool
support chinese too?
Amber Barth
What a very handy (and wonderful) tool! I know what I’m putting on my wish-list.
tabaheee
Really very usefull tool.
Scott
Pretty slick! One question, though. It says at their site that it’s for CS3. Does that mean CS3 exclusively? I have and use Studio MX 2004, but not CS3. Will this component work in that environment? (Yes, I’ve been considering an upgrade, but lately my contracts have run toward photography, illustration, and technical writing, so I haven’t felt any degree of urgency to make the change.)
Scott
Ming
Looks really great. I like the smoothness of the animation it almost looks like live type from apple. Impressive
Live Footy
really so nice article,thanks
Christina
Very interesting! its reallly nice sharing !
Lexu
nice job! thanks for sharing
sunrise
It’s just what i want , thanks a lot!
Bodhi
Thank you for this article.
Hassan
PweeZZZZZ give it to me =$
Effective Web Design
This is a very interesting tool, however the only downside is it limits your compatibility to only those who have the latest flash 9 player. I know quite a lot of businesses that are still running in Flash 7 or 8.
I can appreciate the effects and the easy of generated effects I just do not think it is the greatest solution in the businesses world (not yet at least).
dedde
mmm..
i’ll try that one…
wish that i’m the lucky one…
^_^
it looks…. cooooooooooooooooooooooooollllllllllll….
uminhhieu
thanx,that so cool
William
Nice effects! I got my txteff component already. It looks so great!!!! Thanks Nick for sharing!
Ghostbuster
Some nice ones with blur and 3d mimic, but most look old like stuff from the early milenium years. I personally prefer Astro Components, much more choice and diversity.
carlos cisneros
woow excelent component!! tanks!
cagri akar
çok güzel bravo
Flash Developers
Great Effects…!
Useful tutorials for flash developers.
Sanibel Photographer
Very Nice. This is a great way to animate.
atmosfreer
if there is still freebies available please consider me :)
Martin Kmet
WOw, Really nice component. Id like to have one :)
Bruce Atchley
I have used the txeff component in the past and would love to see the difference in both it and this. Are you able to use shapes or images or just text again? Great looking effects.
sohn
Hello. When I go to txeff.com and copy id for my favorite effect and then I past in my flash CS3 txeff. But it’s said that The Pattern:’Typewriter’ is unavailable. How can I do? Please help. Thank you
Peykan
WOw, Really nice component. Id like to have one
ktoon
oh! that’s very good!
IT Services India
Excellent effect!
I liked it, good for my flash application…Thanks
Flash Developer
WOW…It will save lots of designer time in adding cool effects in flash application.
Joachim
Hallo Bruce,
I have not yet found out to use shapes or images but I found with Astro Components I can make that work easy because I can acess the font movieclip and put it there. Maybe in next one.
Alanya
very good… Thanks you very much
挖客
还有免费的吗？
如果有，请发我一份可以吗。
Thanks
Ania
Oh I LOVE this component. What a stunning animations. It’s amazing how the technology moves forward. You could not imagine few years ago that just with the few clicks you could create such as amazing animation :) I would absolutely LOVE having it :)
sougata
revolution started with TxEff!
torete
it´s impossible to use!!!!
JOE
nio entiendooooooooooooooooooooo nada
nour
oh! that’s very good!
cennetevi
these are awesome!
thanks for putting in the effort to get this list together http://www.cennet.gen.tr
cennetevi
Thank =)=)=) you http://www.cennet.gen.tr webdesignerwall Thanks
flash components
thats a really awesome flash component. thanks for sharing details.
Jako
This is a nice tool which would definitely improve our workflow! I hope this entry is just in time…
bagsin
really cool and some feeling
Cyrus
Great , Review: TxEff Flash Component
Great article. CSS saved web design
Cyrus
Visit http://www.psdtoxhtmlcoder.com
Mike
wow! such a great gift!
vincentdresses
The designs showed here show what simple and tasteful design is all about. Another one to consider
oyie
this is awesome!
Web Design
Very informative thank yo!
aaron
wow this looks like a great tool! thanks for the info
陈涛
so beautiful
Henry Peise
People can have no interst in Nokia, Moto or other mobile phone brand, but he wiil surely love the apple offical white iphone 4.
Juno Mindoes
As the Apple iphone 4 bumper is taken off the marke, will white iphone 4 available soon?
Ben
hmm, i appreciate your post
complex 41
And then he handed you the thirty-five 55
complex41
And then he handed you the thirty-five 45
Robert Voltaire
So that is how you do it! Thank you for sharing!
yemek tarifleri
Painting on the tablet is fun, but to do cool things need work.
Alquiler yates en Ibiza
Thanks Nick for all your honest opinions, I certainly agree with your conclusions :P, Also, I must say, there is very high quality stuff here.
If you guys want the component just go ahead and order it because it is on a special promotion now, only until January 17, 2008. However, if you win a license at the contest, we would happily offer you a buyback offer ;)
DymoLabels
hi
i appreciate your post
i really like your post
thanks for sharing
keep it up