Test Movie From Anywhere

I’ve been using SciteFlash for a while, and recently started using SE|PY with it’s AS2.0 support. The main thing I love about these editors is code folding. I really miss that in the Actions Panel/Script Editor in MX 2004. One big problem is that the flush tool which automatically allows you to test your movie in Flash from within these editors. Apparently it doesn’t work with MX 2004. Here is a very easy workaround that will duplicate this function for 2004. It allows you to use any editor, even notepad if you’re into it, and test the movie with a hotkey.

1. Create a JSFL file with one line: fl.getDocumentDOM().testMovie();
2. Save it wherever you want, with whatever name you want.
3. Now, drag that file onto your start menu, or otherwise get a shortcut to that file on your start menu. (Yes, we’re talking Windows only here. Probably a similar way to do it in Mac, but not my area of expertise.)
4. Right-click, choose properties and set up a shortcut key – something that won’t likely be used by whatever program you are using. I use Control-Alt-Up.

Now, whenever you hit that hotkey, no matter where you are, Flash will test the current movie. Pretty neat! Note, you could just as easily create Publish Movie, Save Movie, or other shortcuts in the same way.