Moving objects
With the text tool, click in the work area and type "LOTUS NOTES." Make the font a nice size so that it's easy to work with.

Choose Select All from the Edit menu and then hit Control-G to group the text.

Click frame 10. Now, right click and choose Insert Key Frame. This will be our ending point for this movement.

While your grouped text is still selected, press and hold down the left arrow key on your keyboard until the square reaches the left side of the work area.

There's another option, too. You can drag the grouped text anywhere with the mouse now. Wherever you drag it will be the ending point.

Now, click on frame 1, go to choose Frame from the Modify menu, and choose the Tweening tab. Then choose Motion and click OK.

Press enter on the keyboard to see the animation play.

To loop this movie, click on frame 10, choose Frame from the Modify menu, and choose the Actions tab. Add an action to this frame by clicking the left "+" and set to Go To. Then make control "Go to and play" on your current scene/frame and click OK.

Viola! How is that for excitement? You can view my version of the finished product at http://members.nbci.com/raz786/example1.html.

It's that easy! But if you feel this is too much, then check out Swish (at http://www.swishzone.com). It's a great tool for non-Flash users who want great Flash text effects. And at a price of only $30, the product will definitely pay for itself in the first five minutes!

I know you want me to Flash you even more! In my next article, I'll show you how you can add sound to your Flash files. You can then start producing sites like http://www.balthaser.com (be aware that if you click on this URL, you won't be able to get back to this article). But a great site is of little use unless it has some backbone. I'll also show you how you can use some Domino URL commands to control your site. I'll even show you how to populate your Domino database from user input in your Flash site.

Razzak Khan, a.k.a "Raz," has been contracting as a Lotus Notes Developer and Administrator for the past eight years. Originally a CPA (Certified Practicing Accountant), he moved into the Domino arena and is now a PCLP. Raz can be reached at raz786@yahoo.com. He is currently building a Web site that he hopes will be useful for all Domino users. Keep an eye out for www.raz786.com!