Tips for Trimming Down File Size?

[geniegmu]

So, I've read on a couple of posts that it's possible to trim down file size by using AS to call and load images? Is this correct? Does anyone know of a tutorial I can use?

Basically, I have 5 fairly large images that I am saving for web in photoshop and bringing into Flash. I have large sound files that I have compressed to mp3s. One file is about 100 seconds (1:40min) compressed to 24kpbs mp3 and has 5 separate images that accompany it inside a movieclip. As you can imagine, the file size is huge - 1.5MB when I publish. I've set the image quality to 50-70% ranges, have played with frame rates (now realizing that was a waste of time), am streaming everything... and yet the file size remains 1.5MB.

Does anyone have any tips/tricks for trimming file size either using AS or another method? I already have a preloader going so the user doesn't run away on a slow connection but I'd really like to still be able to trim down some more so they don't wait 5 minutes for the thing to load...

[senocular]

if you're dealing with images like that, loading them in externally wont trim the filesize per se since all together they will still amount to the same file size, its just that you arent loading it in all at once, and that is the advantage you get in having them external.

As external images, youd load the site normally without them which should be quite smaller now that the images arent included and then, only when needed, load in the external images with loadMovie when necessary. In many cases the overall loading will be less since (depending how your movie/site is set up) not every image will be accessed in every visit. Why load it if its not going to be seen?

Same applies with swfs in general. Often sites are divided into sections where a new swf represents a new section, much like HTML pages. Then the swf is only loaded when someone needs to navigate to or see that section. No point in loading it beforehand if they arent going to see it.

...

Otherwise, you can use optimaze or even Flash's optimize feature to lessen the quality of vector images and shapes to improve filesize as well as play with the jpeg compression of any included bitmap files you have included in your movie. Also, taking out unnecessary lines can help esepcially ifd you have something like a black circle with a black outline. The outer line isnt needed if it isnt seen - that can help file size to a certain degree. Exessive tweens can also hurt filesize. Sounds too are a biggie. Adjusting their compression can be helpful.