Flash Basics > The Flash work environment > The Stage and the Timeline

The Stage and the Timeline

Like films, Flash movies divide lengths of time into frames. The Stage is where you compose the content for individual frames in the movie, drawing artwork on it directly or arranging imported artwork.

The Stage is where you compose individual frames in a movie.
 

The Timeline is where you coordinate the timing of the animation and assemble the artwork on separate layers. The Timeline displays each frame in the movie.

The Timeline is where you coordinate the timing of the animation and assemble separate layers.
 

Layers act like stacked sheets of transparent acetate, keeping artwork separate so you can combine different elements into a cohesive visual image.

The logo, chair, and navigation controls in the movie are each on separate layers.