So in case some of you are new to using Adobe Flash extensions, let me go over how to install them. First, you need to have the Adobe Extensions Manager software. It’s a very simple little program and it’s free. Now before you rush off and grab a copy, be aware that it is very important to have the right version of the extensions manager for the version of Flash that you are using. Here is the link to download the Adobe Extensions Manager.

Flash extensions are usually packaged in an MXP file (Macromedia eXtensions Package)… at least that’s what I assume it stands for. Makes ya wonder if Adobe ever itends to make in an AXP file? No matter. If you have the Adobe Extensions Manager installed properly, double-clicking the MXP file will install the Flash extension just like that. If the extension is NOT in an MXP file, then you have a little more work cut out for you. If that is the case, you will find yourself with a .JSFL file and any number of other files, depending upon what kind of Flash extension it is.

ATTENTION: The rest of this post deals with installing a JSFL-based Flash extension without the MXP file. If you have the MXP file, just use the Adobe Extensions Manager.

Most JSFL extensions, including the majority of what I will be building, will almost always be commands accessed via the commands menu in Flash. The tedius part is making sure you put the correct files in the correct Flash directories. You must locate the Flash CS3 configuration directory on your hard drive. In windows, it is here: “C:\Documents and Settings\YOURNAMEHERE\Local Settings\Application Data\Adobe\Flash CS3\en\Configuration”. (Notice the ‘en’. This will be different if you have Flash installed in a different native language.)

Within the configuration directory, you’ll find several other directories. Careful what you do in here. The goal is to install your Flash extension… not muck things up. Open the commands folder and put any .JSFL or .XML files in here. Don’t create or put them in any sub-folders or Flash won’t find them.

If the Flash extension includes a .SWF file, open up the Configuration/WindowSWF folder and put it in there. If it includes a .DLL file, open up the Configuration/External Libraries folder and put the .DLL files in there.

NOTE: If the extension you are installing is a Flash component, not a JSFL extension, don’t use the above proceedures cuz they won’t work. They won’t hurt anything, but they won’t properly install your new component. Also, if you are installing a JSFL-based Flash extension, but it is something that extends the functionality of the tools panel (you know, the thing with the selection tools,  the laso, the paint bucket, the pen and pencil tools, etc…) then your files will all need to be installed in the Configuration\Tools folder.

Again, if any of the installation techniques sound challenging, see if there is an MXP file for the Flash extension you want, as installing it with the Adobe Extensions Manager will make it waaaay easier. And if you can’t find an MXP, leave me a comment and I’ll build the MXP for you.