Digital Workshop

I have read the various posts on hybrid CDs which unfortunately I need to make on an upcoming project. I am going to use the easy, works all the time, method of launching the swf file in the browser on the Mac. It was mentioned that most of the browser elements could be eliminated for a cleaner look. I know how to do some of this with Java Script but that only works when launching the browser from within another app. Could someone lead me in the direction of what code needs to be embeded in the html file to do away with as many browser elements as possible. Maybe just leave the 'exit' which is always handy. Also need info on any problems or shortcomings using this to run pub in Mac.

Looks like I'm using Macimage for compatibilty.

Thanx for any help.

There's a 'kiosk' mode for Internet Explorer on PC - don't know if it works for IE on Mac, as we use Firefox on our Macs. But it does not work with other browsers on PC.

A way to force a minimal window for most browsers is using Javascript - research the 'OnClick' and 'window.open' commands. But different browsers respond differently to this, mostly resulting in different sized windows, but sometimes including extra toolbars you didn't really want ...so make sure you test with all likely browsers on your target machines.

An example of the Javascript method can be found here...
http://www.theway2go.org/content/main_KG.html
Click on "Deep Stillness" in the side menu, and then choose "Visit our place of Deep Stillness" from the page that appears. (You'll need Flash and Javascript installed to access these pages).

[edit]
Sorry just re-read your question, and you probably know the Javascript method I described.

If you're delivering SWF, I would suggest make a 'projector' file for both Mac and PC ...these will run self-contained on each platform. 'Proper' Flash by Macromedia includes the ability to make these stand-alone projectors - but I suspect there will be 3rd party software somewhere that could take an Opus 'Flash' file and produce a stand-alone.

Rob Kirkwood
www.visibleform.co.uk

Yes I do know abut the Java script method but none of that can work for the Mac. I need a self contained html file which will launch the swf in a browser window on the Mac and have minimal browser elements. It's out there and I'm sure it will show up. I just don't know what will and will not work on a Mac and don't have ready access to one. An ad agencey I do some work for has one I can occasioally use for testing.

Better not tell our Macs running Firefox then - they seem to think it does!

Rob Kirkwood
www.visibleform.co.uk

Will the java script work in any browser I am to encounter in a MAC or just the smart ones who use Firefox.

Certainly works in Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer - which are probably the 3 browsers you're most likely to encounter right now on a Mac ...so I would expect it to work in others such as Netscape (don't know haven't tried it personally).

I believe javascript is on by default with all these - but it's still possible for people to switch it off.

...which is why I suggested making stand-alone Flash 'projector' files for each platform ...these are the equivalent of .exe files for each platform, and include everything needed for playback - your end users don't even need to have Flash player installed - when they click on the icon (or it autoloads in some way) your Flash presentation pops up in an appropriately-sized window with the normal desktop "minimise/maximise/close" controls on it.

Rob Kirkwood
www.visibleform.co.uk

Thanx Rob, I am totaly ignorant about Mac stuff. I do have Flash thanx to a client who has more money than sence and gave up trying to learn it. I don't know it very well either and use other programs to get what I need done in the Flash environment. So I can make projector files for each and will be looking into that first of the week.
Thanx Again!