Vector programs

[1cowabunga]

I heard on tv that Macromedia Flash was just as powerful as Adobe Illustrator. Is this true?

~Sam

[Dave]

Aren't they for totally different things? It's a bit like chalk and cheese isn't it?

[Scott]

Flash is powerful for web based vectors. it's not a print application though. Vectors for print are better handled by Freehand or Illustrator. If you're working vectors for the web then by all means use Flash.

[MindBender]

The short answer is "No". The long answer is "HELL NO".

That's kind of like saying "well MS Paint and Photoshop both with pixels". The editing tools in Illustrator and the output functionality make it MUCH more powerful. Most people I know build their objects in Illustrator or Freehand and import them into Flash because the tools are much better (which kind of explains why macromedia still makes freehand ;) ).

The output and animation tools in Flash are more powerful than the ones in Illustrator and it has a scirpting component that non-dedicated FLA apps won't have. They really are, as was mentioned, used for different things.

$0.02

[PDG]

Two things though...if you feel intimated by vectors, getting your feet wet in Flash will be great. It's very simple and intuitive. Just don't frolick in it too much. The last thing you want to do is grow into it then find Illustrator confusing.

And secondly, vectors can be a ton of fun in Flash. So give it a try but if you have a choice then skip it. It's always best to start learning from the beginning with the very best tool which in this case is Illustrator.

[1cowabunga]

Thanks guys for your input. I did find it hard to believe that flash was even a close comparison to illustrator. Otherwise, why would illustrator be like six times bigger than flash? Vectors are still a little intimidating to me but I think I've made a few strides forward in the past few months. I guess I just have to stick with it.

~Sam