In this tutorial we are going to make Rover, as in the example below.

First you will need to download and save the rover image file.

Open a new Flash document. 

Click File > Import to Stage and choose the rover file.

Using the pointer tool, click on Rover and choose Modify > Break Apart to break the image into editable parts.

Remove the white background by:

  • Click on the lasso tool, and the Magic Wand modifier for it.
  • Click on the white background and press delete to remove it.

Convert the large eye to a movie symbol and fill in the background by:

  • Use the lasso tool (without the Magic Wand) to trace around the eye
  • Right click on it and choose Modify > Convert to Symbol (movie type)
  • Cut it from the image (it will still be in the library)
  • Fill in the missing background

 
Make the eye into a movie by:
  • Open the eye movie symbol from the library
  • We need to motion tween it, so choose Modify > Convert to symbol (name it eyegraphic and make it the graphic type)
  • Insert a keyframe at frame 30
  • Right click on the timeline and choose Create Motion Tween
  • In properties, choose Rotate CW 1 time
  • Return to the main movie
  • Drag the movie clip from the library onto the body.

 
Next add in some buttons to control the movie.

Click Insert > New Symbol

Name it stop and choose the Button type.

Draw a red rectangle, and put the text STOP on it. 

Make the Over, Down and Hit states (See the Buttons page if you can't remember how)

Return to the movie and drag the button onto the stage. 

Name the instances by:

  • In the button Properties, give it the Instance name btn_stop
  • Click on the large eye.  In properties, give it the instance name mc_eye
  Make another button called START and colour it green.  Give it the instance name btn_start
Click on the STOP Button.  In the Actions window, put in the following script:
on(release){
      with(mc_eye){
            stop();
       }
}

Do the same for the START button, but change the stop() to play()

Press CTRL-Enter to test your movie.
Now repeat this activity, but use either one of the antennae or the legs to make into movie clips.  You could make the legs move up and down to make Rover dance, or wave his antennae around.