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This topic only applies to the Dreamweaver Extension version of the software. If you're using the Standalone version, see this topic.
This topic provides a quick overview of how to get started creating slideshows. Please note: All of the topics mentioned in this quickstart are covered in much more detail in the rest of the manual. If you run into trouble or have more questions, view the main manual topics.
First, you must download and install the Adobe AIR runtime. Adobe AIR is a free application runtime which allows for the slideshow wizard to run on your system. (To learn more, visit the AIR product page. If you are using Dreamweaver CS4 or higher, AIR will already be installed on your system.) You can download the installer directly by clicking the appropriate link below:
If you have any problems with the direct download, you can download and install from Adobe's site:
In the XFS_v4.zip file you downloaded and uncompressed, double-click the SSv4_wizard.air file to launch the Adobe AIR Application Installer and install the external wizard application. Install it to the default location, but disable the 'Launch after Installation' option.
For more information about installing the external wizard, see this topic.
In the XFS_v4.zip file you downloaded and uncompressed, double-click the SSv4_DW_ext.mxp file to launch the Adobe (Macromedia) Extension Manager and install the Dreamweaver extension. After completing the installation, restart Dreamweaver if it is running.
Note: If double-clicking the file doesn't launch the Extension Manager properly, instead open Dreamweaver and select Help > Manage Extensions. This will launch the Extension Manager; in the Extension Manager window, click the Install button, browse to the SSv4_DW_ext.mxp file and click OK.
For more information about installing the Dreamweaver extension, see this topic.
To access the extension, select the DWUser section of the Insert Panel (the panel/bar next to the edit window with Common, Layout, Forms, etc. sections; accessed via Window > Insert). On the DWUser section, click the XML Flash Slideshow v4 - Insert Slideshow button. This will launch the slideshow insertion wizard.
Note: Alternately, you can select Insert > DWUser > XML Flash Slideshow v4 from the Dreamweaver's Insert menu (at the top of the screen, next to File, Edit and View).
For more information about accessing the extension, see this topic. For more information about using the external wizard to create slideshows, see this section.
When the wizard first launches, you'll be prompted to either create a blank slideshow or start with a starter template. You will then enter the main wizard interface. All of the main wizard sections are accessed via the tabs at the top of the window:
The tabs control the following:
| Tab Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Images / Galleries | This is where you'll add all images to the slideshow, organizing them into one or more galleries. |
| External Image Data | This is where you can optionally specify external data sources such as Flickr feeds, etc. |
| Appearance Settings | This is where you can control general appearance settings, such as the background color, background image, and preloader appearance. |
| Slide Appearance | This is where you can control the appearance of each of the slides. Options include image scaling settings as well as image matte, border, drop shadow and reflection effects. |
| Layout / Presentation | This is where you can optionally adjust your slideshow's layout or build a new one from scratch. You can also customize the appearance of all elements included in the user interface. |
| Global Configuration and Playback Settings | This is where you can specify general slideshow options and playback settings. Options include the image loading mode, automatic playback and the corresponding playback speed, and the image transition configuration. |
| Touchscreen Content | Currently available in beta update. This is where you can configure the alternate touch-optimized presentation to display for touchscreen devices like the iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones and tablets. |
You can save and exit, cancel and exit, or launch the preview window using the buttons at the bottom of the window:
For more information about using the external wizard to create slideshows, see this section.
To make changes to a slideshow you've already inserted, select the slideshow in Dreamweaver's Design View. In the Properties panel (accessed via Window > Properties), click the Edit with Wizard button.
For more information about accessing the extension to edit a slideshow, see this topic.
First, its important to note that v3 and v4 operate fully independently -- you can continue to use v3 after installing v4. For information about moving existing v3 slideshows up to v4, see the Migration topic.