Flash Script – Falling Snow Effect

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Download the sample files here.

1. Create a small snowflake I used a small circle filled with white color.

2. Convert this snowflake object to a movie clip, and give it an instance name of “snow”.

3. Now, go in to the time line of this snow movie clip, and create three keyframes in this layer.

4. In the first key frame give action:

mov = 0; 
ran = getProperty("", _x);

5. In the second key frame give action:

setProperty ("", _y, mov=mov+2); 
snowy = getProperty("", _y);
setProperty ("", _x, (ran+random(2)));
if(snowy > 310)
{
setProperty ("", _y, 50);
mov=0;
ran = ran - 10;
}

6. In the third key frame give action:

gotoAndPlay (2);

7. Now go back to the main timeline, and create two key frames in this layer.

8. Insert these actions into the first key frame:

if (snowparticles<150) 
{
duplicateMovieClip("snow","snow" add i,i)
scale=random(60)+10
setProperty("snow" add i,_x,random(450))
setProperty("snow" add i,_xscale,scale)
setProperty("snow" add i,_yscale,scale)
snowparticles++
i++
}

9. Insert this action into the second key frame:

gotoAndPlay (2);

That’s it! You have created your own snow effect.

Frequently Asked Questions about Falling Snow Effect

How can I customize the snowfall effect on my website?

Customizing the snowfall effect on your website can be done by adjusting the parameters in the script. You can change the speed, size, and color of the snowflakes, as well as the number of snowflakes that appear on the screen at once. You can also set the direction of the snowfall, whether it’s falling straight down or at an angle. To do this, you need to locate the specific lines of code that control these aspects and modify them according to your preference.

Can I use the falling snow effect on a mobile device?

Yes, the falling snow effect can be used on mobile devices. However, it’s important to note that the performance may vary depending on the device’s processing power and browser capabilities. To ensure optimal performance, you may need to adjust the number of snowflakes or the complexity of the animation.

Is the falling snow effect compatible with all browsers?

The falling snow effect is compatible with most modern browsers that support JavaScript and CSS3. However, older browsers may not support all the features of the effect. It’s always a good idea to test the effect on different browsers to ensure it works as expected.

Does the falling snow effect slow down my website?

The falling snow effect can potentially slow down your website, especially if you have a large number of snowflakes or complex animations. To minimize the impact on performance, you can reduce the number of snowflakes or simplify the animations. Also, consider using a lightweight script that is optimized for performance.

Can I add the falling snow effect to a specific section of my website?

Yes, you can add the falling snow effect to a specific section of your website. To do this, you need to target the specific HTML element where you want the effect to appear. This can be done by assigning a unique ID or class to the element and referencing it in the script.

How can I stop the snowfall effect?

Stopping the snowfall effect can be done by calling a specific function in the script. This function typically removes all the snowflakes from the screen and stops the animation. You can trigger this function with a button click or any other event.

Can I change the shape of the snowflakes?

Depending on the script you’re using, you may be able to change the shape of the snowflakes. This can be done by replacing the image or character used for the snowflakes in the script. Some scripts may also allow you to use custom shapes defined in CSS.

Can I add sound to the snowfall effect?

Adding sound to the snowfall effect requires additional scripting. You can use the HTML5 audio element to play a sound file whenever a snowflake is created or hits the bottom of the screen. However, keep in mind that autoplaying sound can be intrusive and is generally discouraged in web design.

Can I use the falling snow effect with other animations?

Yes, the falling snow effect can be used with other animations. However, you need to ensure that the animations don’t interfere with each other and that the overall performance of the website is not affected.

How can I make the snowfall effect more realistic?

Making the snowfall effect more realistic can be achieved by using a combination of different sizes and speeds for the snowflakes, as well as adding some randomness to their movement. You can also use a semi-transparent image for the snowflakes to give them a more natural look.

Georgina LaidlawGeorgina Laidlaw
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Georgina has more than fifteen years' experience writing and editing for web, print and voice. With a background in marketing and a passion for words, the time Georgina spent with companies like Sausage Software and sitepoint.com cemented her lasting interest in the media, persuasion, and communications culture.

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