Using the object and property hierarchy list

The left side of the Timeline window contains a hierarchical listing of all objects in the current timeline, along with their properties. Objects are listed in their stacking order in the composition, with topmost objects listed first. If needed, you can resize the width of the object hierarchy panel.

When you create or add an object in the Composition window, it is added to the Timeline window with a descriptive name, such as "medium blue ellipse." This name changes if you change the color or shape of the object. You can rename objects at any time, in which case the name will no longer change. (See Selecting objects with the Timeline window.)


Object and property hierarchy list

You can expand or collapse the hierarchical listing to reveal or hide objects and their properties. There are three kinds of object properties:

• Transform includes transformation properties such as position, rotation, and scale. These properties are available for all objects. These attributes tend to be the most efficient to animate in SWF since these transformations can be handled natively by the Flash player.
• Object Attributes include additional properties specific to the selected object type (such as font for a text object).
• Layer lets you animate the properties of each layer in an object separately. These include layer-specific properties such as color, 3D effects, and distortions.

To expand or collapse the object and property hierarchy:

Click the triangle next to a timeline's name or a property.

To adjust the width of the object hierarchy panel:

Drag the resize bar located to the right of the Hide column , the Lock column , and the Shy column .