What are some reasons why my Flash file is too big?

Question: What are some reasons why my Flash file is too big?


Answer:
Deal with the file size problems in this order.
Size Problem 1:
The library can become full with items that you are not even using.
To deleted unused items,
Go to library, click on the menu or right mouse click and choose select unused items.
Then hit the delete button.
Choose File-Save and Compact – This makes sure to eliminate what you are not using.
Make movie again and compare sizes.

Size Problem 2:
Another major cause for big files is Bitmap images that are too big in resolution and then brought in and scaled down in Flash.

Size Problem 3:
You should set the compression either in Photoshop with a save for web, which is good to make JPEGs that are compressed to JPEG 55 or
Save files either as best quality or as PSDs and then set lower compression for images in Flash.  (To set compression: Double Click on the Bitmap File Name in the Library this will open the settings window. Turn off the “Use Document Default”.Set the compression from 1 to 100.

Solution: If after compressing images as JPEGs or in Flash, the files are still big, try replacing image with fewer colors (black and white photos or line art) with GIFs in the Save for Web menu in Photoshop.  While saving lower the number of colors 256- down to 16 if it does not destroy the look of your art. Reduce them to the minimum colors necessary. Quality will not look to good, unless you use it on only some images.  Avoid images of people and smooth gradients (sky and skin).  Try it on low color line art (logos) or gray scale images.