Flash Optimizer - User Guide and FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions - Flash Optimizer

1. Why Flash Optimizer works only with SWF files and not with FLA, sometimes it could be really helpful?
   It is not possible today, since FLA format is a closed Macromedia copyrighted format.
   
   
2. Sometimes I notice that after optimization some of objects in my Flash movie can disappear? Is it wrong?
   It is really possible and sometimes it happens with objects that are parts of buttons. Try to decrease compression ratios, and disable Shapes and Morphs optimization.
   
   
3. It takes too long to optimize my movie, is there a way to speed it up?
   Flash Optimizer applies extremely complicated mathematical algorithms and depending on number of layers, sprites, animations, etc, it can take some time to optimize the movie. Try setting "Optimization process priority" (Preferences) to "TimeCritical", but expect a visible slow down.
   
   
4. The optimized movie is bigger than the original one. Am I doing anything wrong?
   After optimization if you select not to hide the Optimization window (Preferences) you'll be able to see the file size that can be optimized using Flash Optimizer (Can be optimized - Original) and the percentage optimized (Can be optimized - Optimized). The Original can-be-optimized number corresponds to the size of all selected optimization elements in the SWF file being processed. In this way you can one-by-one select the optimization parameters and decide which parts of the SWF you wish to optimize (only shapes, or only pictures, etc). Usually a movie can become larger due to Pictures optimization, when for instance it has 10 embedded JPEG's each with 40% quality, and optimization setting for Pictures is 70% quality. So, please, decide whether you need Pictures optimization at all, and set parameters with consideration.
   
   
5. Does FO change the Flash version of the SWF when it optimizes?
   case you try to optimize 5th or previous version Flash files and do not use ZLib compression the file will still be supported by the Flash Player it has been designed for, but in case you check ZLib compression in Optimization Parameters the SWF will be playable under Flash Player 6 only.
   
   
6. When I press the "Optimize" button, the only thing that happens is a splash screen shows up. I realize that the demo version does not allow saving optimized files, but I'm just trying to see a before and after of a file. Am I missing something, because as far as I can tell the only thing the demo version does is load and playback swf's?
   You are not missing anything.
   You actually ARE able to do this. Flash Optimizer optimizes the file you asks it to. You CAN see the oprimization process and the result! There is no need to save the file to see if compression works for you.
   First way is to utilize the "SWF info" button. It shows detailed information about what and how was compressed to you, it's very easy to see whether the compression ratio was high enough judging from the trackbars.
   Secondly, it's easy to see the size of the original and compressed file above the players.