Rotating Earth Animation using Flash

Flash is a 2D animation software that can be used on different operating systems like macOS, Windows, Linux, etc. It was first launched in 1996 and the latest version is released in 2021. It is capable of different functionalities like masking, character tracing, lip-sync, motion and shape tweening, frame by frame animations, etc. The animations created in Flash are vector-based rather than pixel animations which can only be zoomed to a certain level but this is not the case with vector-based animations so they provide high-quality animations.

Rotating Earth Animation

Earth rotation is a simple 2D animation effect that gives a feel of 3D motion. It is used in many projects and is very easy to animate. This can be achieved in many ways so for this we will use one of the simplest methods. For this, we only need an image of the world. 

Follow the below steps to create rotating earth animation.

Step 1: Open a new project in Flash.

Step 2: Import the image of the world map to the stage by clicking on the file and then choosing the import option and then import to stage.

Step 3: Choose the image and click on Open, make sure to use non-copyright images.

Step 4: Now make a duplicate of the image by pressing the Alt key and dragging the image.

Step 5: Now select both the images and right-click on it, a list will appear click on create symbol option.

Step 6: On the next screen choose type as Graphic and click OK.

Step 7: Add another layer by clicking on add new layer button on the timeline and naming it as Globe.

Step 8: Now select frame 100 and insert a frame.

Step 9: Now create a circle using the circle tool on the Globe layer.

Step 10: Now select Layer 1 and create a motion tween by selecting the Motion tween option from the list which appear when we right-click on the frame.

Step 11: Now go on frame 100 and slide the image to the left.

Step 12: Now select the Globe layer and right-click on it, a list will appear click on Mask.

Step 13: Now click on the run button to see the animation.

Congratulations your Earth Rotation animation is ready press Ctrl + Enter.

Here is the output video of Earth Rotation.