Using Symbols, Instances, and Library Assets > Changing instance properties > Assigning a different symbol to an instance

 

Assigning a different symbol to an instance

You can assign a different symbol to an instance to display a different instance on the Stage and preserve all the original instance properties, such as color effects or button actions.

For example, say you're creating a cartoon with a Rat symbol for your character, but decide to change the character to a Cat. You could switch the Cat for the Rat symbol and have the updated character appear in roughly the same location in all of your frames.

 
To assign a different symbol to an instance:

1

Select the instance on the Stage and choose Window > Properties.

2

Click the Swap button in the Property inspector.

3

In the Swap Symbol dialog box, select a symbol that will replace the one currently assigned to the instance. To duplicate a selected symbol, click the Duplicate Symbol button at the bottom of the dialog box.

Duplicating lets you base a new symbol on an existing one in the library and minimizes copying if you're making several symbols that differ just slightly.

4

Click OK.

 
To replace all instances of a symbol:

1

Drag a symbol with the same name as the one you are replacing into the Library panel.

2

In the Resolve Library Item Conflict dialog box, click Replace. For more information, see Resolving conflicts between library assets.