Need a Flash banner for your site without learning Flash?
Most banner tools expect you to understand timelines, tweening and scripting before you get anything useful on screen. Easy Flash Maker, sold by Sothink as SWF Easy, takes the opposite approach. You start from a template, change the elements, add an effect and export the result.
Quick facts
- Publisher: SourceTec Software (Sothink)
- Platform: Windows
- Trial: 30-day free trial; the unregistered version is limited
- Focus: Flash banners, with extra support for buttons, albums, presentations and greeting cards
- Output: SWF, plus GIF and AVI export
Key features
Banner templates you can finish in minutes
The program includes built-in Flash banner templates. A wizard walks you through them, so a first banner doesn't require any Flash background.
60+ animated effects you can edit and combine
Instead of building motion by hand, you apply built-in Flash effects. You can edit them, combine them and loop them to get something that looks custom.
A resource library sorted by purpose
Built-in shapes, buttons, sounds, images, greeting cards and dynamic backgrounds are grouped under Business, Education, Entertainment, Misc and Web. You can also search by keyword and add more resources from a free resource pack.
Pull parts out of existing SWF files
You can import SWF files and extract shapes, buttons, sounds and movie clips to reuse in your own project. This saves time if you already have Flash material.
Export beyond SWF
Besides SWF, you can export your work as GIF and AVI files. That helps when a site or ad network won't accept Flash.
Who it's for
It suits you if you build websites or promotions and want an animated banner quickly, with no Flash or ActionScript skills. It also works for people who already know Flash and want a faster route for simple jobs, because the tool also supports ActionScript 2.0 and UI components.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Template and wizard workflow that beginners can follow
- Large set of effects and categorized resources
- Reuses material from existing SWF files
- Free 30-day trial before you pay
Cons
- Windows only
- The trial is limited until you register
- It is built around Flash output, which many sites no longer accept, so GIF and AVI export matter
- It is aimed at simple banners, not complex animation projects
FAQs
Can I try it before buying?
Yes. It has a 30-day free trial, and the unregistered version has some limitations.
Do I need to know Flash?
No. The templates and wizard are meant for beginners, and you can add ActionScript if you do know it.
Can I get more resources?
Yes. A free resource pack adds more content. It needs SWF Easy 5.1 or later.
What file types can I export?
SWF, GIF and AVI.
System requirements
Windows. The listing names Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.