Engage 360: Adding Flash Movies

Engage 360 lets you embed interactive SWF files, also known as Flash movies, to extend the functionality of your e-learning content.

There are two ways to insert SWF files into an interaction, and each has its own benefits. Which method you use depends on whether you want the SWF file to be synchronized with the interaction or to play independently of the interaction. Here's how to decide:

If your SWF file is a movie that requires no input from learners, insert it as a video. This synchronizes the video with the interaction.
If your SWF file contains interactive elements, use the method described below. This plays your SWF file independently of the interaction so learners can proceed at their own pace.

Adding a Flash Movie

Select the step where you want to add a Flash Movie.
Click the Flash icon in the media panel.
Browse to the SWF file you want to use and click Open.

After inserting a Flash movie, you can preview it using the play/pause and stop buttons below the Flash movie thumbnail in the media panel.

Adjusting Flash Movie Properties

After adding a Flash movie, you can adjust its properties in the media panel. (These properties aren't available for media tour interactions.)

Position	Choose where you want the Flash movie to display in your published interaction.
Size	Choose Automatic or Custom. If you choose Automatic (the default option), Engage will adjust the size of the Flash movie so it fits within the allotted space in your published interaction. If you choose Custom, enter the width and height in pixels. The Lock Aspect Ratio box is grayed out to keep the Flash movie from being distorted as you adjust its size.
Include Playbar	Mark this box to add player controls to the Flash movie, so learners can play, pause, and scrub through it. If you include a playbar, you'll also have the option to automatically start the Flash movie or wait for learners to start it when they're ready.
Alternate Text	Enter text that describes the Flash movie, and screen readers will read it to your learners.

Replacing a Flash Movie

If you change your mind about a Flash movie you added to your interaction and you want to use a different one instead, click the blue text in the media panel below the Flash movie thumbnail (i.e., the name of the SWF file), then select a different SWF file and click Insert.

If you want to replace a Flash movie with a different media type altogether—i.e., picture, character, or video—click the red X in the media panel to remove the Flash movie, then choose a different media type.

Why Can’t I See Flash Movies When I Preview?

Since the Engage 360 preview feature uses HTML5 content, you won’t be able to see Flash movies during preview. You’ll need to publish your interaction with Flash output to see them.