Macromedia Flash MX 2004 7.0 Pro (1 cd)

Macromedia Flash MX 2004 7.0 Pro (1 cd)

The grand master of Flash animation apps is now more powerful, requires less programming, and includes better help.

The good: Powerful scripting language; FX and interactive objects now require less programming; new API for plug-ins; new usability features.

The bad: Programming expertise required for complex projects; you must activate the product via the Internet or phone.

By Jon L. Jacobi, August 25, 2003

Macromedia's new $499 Flash MX 2004 Flash animation designer requires less programming, boasts a much improved help system, and offers new usability features such as an improved video-import wizard with editing capabilities, a spelling checker, and a find-and-replace function. Though beginners might not find it as easy to use as Adobe's cheaper LiveMotion, MX 2004 is a uniquely powerful program. It's a must-have upgrade for current users, thanks to its new support for Cascading Style Sheets, an improved (and ECMAScript 3.0-compatible) ActionScript 2 programming language, and a new API that allows third-party plug-ins. A professional version that offers more data-handling features and components is also available--for $200 more.