Polystar Tool - In the geometric tools group (same as Rectangle tool) - Click the Options button in the Property Inspector to choose between polygons and stars, and to choose the number of sides and the Star point size (how sharp the points are).
Rectangular and Oval Primitive Tools - These differ from the Rectangle and Oval tools in two ways. First, they allow one to alter various properties of the shape (e.g. the corner radius) after the shape has been drawn, which you cannot do with the Rectangle and Oval tools. Second, they draw the shape in Object Drawing mode so the shape will not interact with other objects. (p.54)
Pen Tool (p. 63-65, 133) -
Brush Tool - Lock Fill option - with it selected, each brushstroke includes the entire gradient; with it deselected, each brushstroke fill reveals a portion of the gradient that runs the width of the Stage (p. 69 - couldn't get this to work but could get it to work filling an outline shape -- see p. 74-75)
Free Transform Tool (p. 106-107) - Once you have selected the object and clicked on the Free Transform Tool, the Distort option will be available in the bottom of the Tools. This allows you to change shape. (p. 116-119) You can also use Window>Transform to resize and skew the object.
Selection and Subselection Tool (p. 129-136) - Corner points appear at the end of an unselected segment or where two segments join to form a sharp angle. All the other inbetween points are curve points. When you pull on a curve point with the selection tool, you put a range of points whereas if you tug on a corner point, you pull out a single point. When you cursor over a corner point, you will see a sharp corner adjacent to the arrow; when you cursor over a curve point, you will see a curve adjacent to the arrow.
To create a new corner point with the selection tool - Position the selection tool's pointer over the middle of an unselected line or curve segment. The curve modifier appears. Alt or Ctrl click, and the selection tool's modifier will change to a corner point. You can now drag the point as a corner point. (p. 128)
To view a path and anchor points - Choose the Subselection tool and then click on the line or curve. To select an anchor point, click on the Subselection tool and move the cursor over the path. A solid square appears next to the arrow when the point is above a curve or line segment; a small hollow square appears when the point is directly above an anchor point. Click on an anchor point -- the Bezier handles will also be displayed. To move a curve point, just drag it.
To convert a corner point into curve point (p. 134-135) - From the submenu under the Pen tool, choose Convert Anchor Point Tool. The pointer will change to an upward-pointing caret. Position the caret pointer over a corner point. To activate Bezier handles, click the point and drag away. You can also use the subselection tool to convert a corner point to a curve point. Position the hollow arrow pointer over the corner point, and then Alt-drag fromt he point to pull out the Bezier handles.
To convert a curve point to a corner point (p. 135) - As in the preceding paragraph, choose Convert Anchor Point Tool and then click the curve point. The curve point will be converted to a corner point, removing the Bezier handles and flattening the curve path.
To delete an anchor point (p. 135) - Choose the Delete Anchor Point Tool in the submenu for the Bezier tools, click the anchor point.
To add an anchor point (p. 136) - Choose the Add-Anchor-Point Tool in the submenu for the Bezier tools, and click in the appropriate point in the path. A corner point will be added between corner points, a curve point between curve points, and a curve point between a corner point and a curve point.
To extend an existing path (p. 136) - Choose the Pen tool and position the point over the anchor point at either end of the path. The continue-path modifier- a small slash - appears next to the pen icon. Click the new terminal anchor point.
Flash CS4 introduced the spray brush tool to create a random dot pattern as you move across the Stage. Once you finish, Flash groups the dots. Select the Spray Brush Tool from underneath the Brush Tool. Move the pointer over the Stage and click and drag. Dragging slowly places dots close together; dragging quickly spreads the dots out more. You can control what is drawn by settings in the Property Inspector
Flash CS4 also introduced the Deco tool. Select the Deco tool and click on the Stag. The entire Stage will be filled with a pattern. Settings in the Property Inspector will affect what is drawn: There are three Drawing Effects: Vine Fill, Grid Fill and Symmetry Brush.
If graphic objects laready exist on the Stage, Flash places the new items only in the blank space around the existing objects. To fill a shape with a pattern, click within the shape. If the existing shape has a fill, the deco-pattern group windw up above the shapes fill and stroke in the stacking order (didn't work for me -- it seemed to be behind).
The use the Symmetry Brush, select the Deco tool, and then select the Symmetry Brush effect from the pop-up in the Property inspector. A set of handles will appear on the Stage at an angle. These handles let you add more shapes to the symmetry or rotate the entire group.
"With the Symmetry Brush effect selected, click the color picker and select a color for the symmetry. Next, click anywhere on the Stage (not on the symmetry handles) and a default shape will be added to the symmetry. Next, drag the shorter of the two handles by clicking and dragging the small circle at the end of the handle. Dragging the handles back and forth will add and subtract the shapes from the symmetry. Next, drag the longer handle in the same way to see the entire symmetry rotate (see Figure 4). You can continue adding new shapes into the symmetry by clicking the Stage." (from Flash help)
Once you select another tool, the symmetry will be converted to a Group of shapes, and it can not be edited again using the symmetry handles.
Source: Flash CS4 Professional Visual Quickstart Guide, Katherine Ulrich. Revised July 20, 2010.