Basic Instructions

1. First ensure that you have installed the textMenu component using Macromedia Extension Manager.

2. Drag and drop the textMenu component from the components panel onto the stage. The top left corner of the textMenu component will be the left most side and vertical center line for the first button for all layouts of the menu except the vertical-right alignment. The top left corner determines the right most side for vertical-right alignment.

3. The menu button names and actions can either be entered directly through the component properties panel or they can be entered through an external XML file.

Entering menu button parameters in the properties panel:

a. Ensure that the "XML Filename" parameter is left blank.

b. Enter the list of menu button names in the "Button Array" parameter (in the desired order). For multiple line button names, you may use the HTML <br> tag. For example: Contact<br>Us

c. Enter the action for each menu button in the "Link Array" parameter. Click here to see an explanation of acceptable link ActionScript expressions.

 

Entering menu button parameters through an external XML file:

Please see the Using XML section for instructions on using an XML file with the textMenu component.

4. Enter the remaining parameters in the properties panel. Please see the Properties Panel section for an explanation of each parameter.

5. You may wish to change the color and look of the menu button. Please see the Skinning tutorial for instructions on this.

6. It is recommended to use embedded fonts and to set the movie to work at 30 frames per second for smoother effects.

The menu should now work correctly. For more advanced features, please see the Advanced Features section .

The following is a list of acceptable link ActionScript expressions:

• getURL("URL", "TARGET WINDOW")
• getURL("asfunction:FUNCTION NAME","")
• loadMovie("SWF NAME", "TARGET")
• TARGET.loadMovie("SWF NAME")
• gotoAndPlay(FRAME NUMBER)
• gotoAndPlay("FRAME LABEL")
• TARGET.gotoAndPlay(FRAME NUMBER)
• gotoAndStop(FRAME NUMBER)
• TARGET.gotoAndStop(FRAME NUMBER)
• play()
• TARGET.play()

For example:

• getURL("products.html","_blank")
• loadMovie("downloads.swf",_level3)
• mc1.gotoAndPlay(10)
• mc1.gotoAndStop(15)