INSTRUCTIONS: GRAPHIC NEWS INTERACTIVE GRAPHICS (July 2008)
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DOWNLOADABLE FILES
W.zip - Contains all the files needed to install the graphic on your web site, with instructions
F.zip - Artwork in Flash format only -- For those who wish to modify the graphic. Downloadable with the English language version only as there is no translatable text. The flash artwork is supplied so graphic designers with the relevant experience can modify the graphic itself, tailor it to their own editorial requirements, or use the coding for a different flash graphic
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INSTRUCTIONS -- IN BRIEF
The W.zip file (e.g. GN12345W.zip) will decompress to a folder GN12345 containing the following files:
GN12345.swf -- Interactive Flash graphic
GN12345.xml -- Editable text file for captions
GN12345B.swf -- Editorial image "Button" to install on your web page with built-in link to the graphic
(GN12345C.jpg -- Alternative editorial image that could be used as a Button - see below for cut-and-paste link. Supplied if B.swf button not available due to time constraints)
Place the folder (e.g. GN12345) into a folder named gn_swf, and put this in the same folder as the web page which will link to (or which contains) the interactive graphic. Do NOT rename any folders or files.
Then, if you are using the Javascript lightbox (see GN22748), embed the editorial image button GN12345B.swf onto your web page. This includes the link to the Flash graphic.
Alternatively you can use the lightbox with text or an image and one of the following cut-and paste hyperlinks (changing the folder name, file name, width and height as appropriate):
Text link:
Your text here
OR
Image link (e.g. iconic "play" button - GN22748, an alternative editorial image supplied in the W.zip, or your own picture):
If you have any difficulties please contact the Graphic News Helpdesk helpdesk@graphicnews.com and we will put you in touch with our helpful "web expert"
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DISPLAYING GRAPHICS ON THE WEB
Either design your own web pages to display our interactive graphics, or alternatively use a link from your web page that displays them in a lightbox.
A LIGHTBOX is a stylish and convenient way to display interactive graphics as it keeps the original page visible underneath. To download the lightbox we use and instructions, go to GN22748. The lightbox only needs to be installed once and can be used to display not only interactive graphics but also static graphics or pictures (For an example go to the Graphic News Gallery).
Once the lightbox is installed, download the .zip file for the interactive graphic you want to display and install as described above
LINKS: For the interactive graphic to play in the light box you need a link to it on your web page. With each graphic, time permitting, we will provide an editorial image in Flash format with a built-in link (e.g GN12345B.swf - contained within the downloaded W.zip file) This can simply be embedded in your web page.
As the image is "editorial" it adds interest to your page and can be used instead of a picture. It "moves" only when a reader approaches - signalling that there is an interactive graphic underneath. You could alternatively use words, an iconic button, or alternative editorial image (see above).
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TEXT TRANSLATION AND EDITING
Graphic News interactive graphics are designed to be edited or translated by people without experience using Flash. In fact, you don't even need a copy of Flash to change the text content as the text for the graphic is contained in an associated .xml file rather than the .swf file. (This principle is similar to that used for graphics containing a separate linked picture file)
Simply open the xml file in a text editor of your choice and write your own captions between the [ square brackets ]. Text enclosed in tags will be bold. Save the file -- the Flash movie will now load your new text. (Do not rename this file)
For best results, preserve line breaks and tabs as they appear in the original xml file.
Take care to have a look at the finished graphic to ensure captions are tidy before publishing it on your website!
NB Arabic translations of interactive graphics are available but do not use .xml yet - the captions are included with the .swf file)
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