Macromedia Flash 5.0

• Quick specs
• Price: Free to try
• Operating system: Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 98
• Date added: September 13, 2000
• Total Downloads: 4,058,287
• Downloads last week: 11,272
• See full specifications

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A newer version of Macromedia Flash is available.

Download the latest version | Learn more about Adobe Flash Professional CS4

(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

Flash remains the champ of professional vector software for the Web. However, creating Web pages, interactive games, and videos in Flash CS3 is no one-two punch; the complexity remains a barrier for new learners.

Most notable in this version of Flash is its improved integration with the other Adobe products. You can now save time by importing layers from Photoshop and Illustrator files, so there's no need to convert and name one layer at a time. The customizable interface lets you choose where to dock the time line and other panels, and you can drag features to the toolbar.

Prebuilt components such as buttons can be dragged directly onto the stage, then customized. If you are drawing from scratch, Flash adds tools that include an Illustrator-style Pen as well as Shape Primitives for making shape alterations on the stage. New filters and blends add more creative options.

Everything about CS3 is faster than in CS2, from the compiler to the player, including the new Java-based compiler and debugger. Rather than fishing through your work to find errors, click on a trouble spot in the Compile Errors panel to go straight to the problematic code.

Nevertheless, Flash isn't perfect--particularly with some fine details. It's still hard to zoom into the center of the stage. We'd like more control over brush strokes, too. This upgrade will be worthwhile for professionals who work with the other Creative Suite applications, but the learning curve and cost should not be underestimated.

Publisher's description

Our editors say:
Macromedia Flash lets you combine vector graphics with bitmaps, audio, animation, and interactive elements to create multimedia content for the Web. It also boasts extensive scripting capabilities, and is tightly integrated with other Macromedia products such as Dreamweaver and Generator. You can use Flash to create anything from cartoons to Web-based applications, and the widespread popularity of the Flash Player means few will be barred from viewing your creations. Advanced optimization features let you deliver rich media without sacrificing speed or reliability.

As with most Macromedia products, Flash combines powerful tools with a highly efficient, intuitive user interface. There are large palettes of vector shapes and drawing tools to tinker with, and it is relatively easy to set up simple animations with sound and interactive features. Flash’s scripting capabilities may seem less accessible to new users, but they are not as complicated (or as extensive) as those found in Macromedia Director.

Easy to learn but difficult to master, Flash is easily the best program in its class, and indeed many competing Web animation apps use Flash technology themselves. The price tag is a bit steep for casual users, but if you work professionally with Web animation, this program is a must-have.

Note: This trial version times out 30 days from download. The full version is $399, and the upgrade for previous owners of Flash 4.0 is $149.

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