Macromedia's Flash 5 is a great piece of software, but many of us don't need to use the full range of action that it offers. Dreamweaver 4 (and Dreamweaver 4 UltraDev) enables you to use some Flash on your site that doesn't overburden it or slow it down.

This resource providedes a step-by-step guide on how to create buttons and rollovers on your website using Dreamweaver.

Flash Buttons

Flash buttons are a quick and easy way to create buttons for navigation bars and forms – or just for fun!

1. Open your web page in Dreamweaver and select the spot for your button

2. From the objects bar select Insert Flash Button 

3. and up will come an Insert Flash Button dialog box

4. Select your button style from the Style list 5. Type in your button text e.g. Home 6. Select a font for your button text 7. Add a link 8. Select a background colour to match your web page colour

9. Save your Flash file. Its save as a .swf file. Name it so you’ll recognise it if you want to use it again

10. Press OK and the button is done! Press F12 to test it in your browser

Flash Text

Use Flash text to create rollover links or text which change colour dramatically as your mouse rolls over them. Its just as easy as Flash buttons!

1. Open your web page in Dreamweaver and select the spot for your button

2. From the objects bar select Insert Flash Text

3. and up will come an Insert Flash Text dialog box

4. Select your font and font size 5. Select the colour that the text will be initially, and then a contrasting rollover colour 6. Type in your text 7. Select your link file 8. Choose a background colour to match your web page colour

9. Save your Flash file. Its save as a .swf file. Name it so you’ll recognise it if you want to use it again

10.  Press OK and the text is done! Press F12 to test it in your browser

Your web pages will look great and be more interesting to use!