So the problem is that we are loading a list of font names into a combo box for a user to select. We then pass the name of the font to a FontManager (that we have created) that loads the fonts and dispatches a Complete event when it is loaded. We also have a few other custom events that are being dispatched like FONT_READY, and FONT_ERROR. When we compile the app the user can select the combo box then pick a font and the font loads just fine, but if the user starts using the arrow keys to navigate through the combo box really fast, the fonts do not load and if they do, they usually are messed up.

I traced out everything and it was saying the fonts were loaded and the text was displayed, but it wasn’t. I tried loading the two previous fonts to no avail; it always seemed like it was a timing issue. No matter what I did, the user could always move through the list using the arrow keys too fast for the font to load.

So I thought I would just do a fontSelector.enable = false; until the font is ready and then do a fontSelector.enable = true;, (fontSelector being my ComboBox), but this did not work since it still thought the font was being loaded and the user still could cycle through the list regardless. So the issue remains. I even tried to go deeper into a few Adobe classes but that is way to much for this fix and would mess up some other comboBoxes we are using.

So the solution I came up with is to setFocus to something else on the stage. I have a Color Picker on the stage as well, so when the user picks a font, it sets the focus to the ColorPicker colorPicker.setFocus();. Then when the font was ready, I set the focus back on the fontSelector, fontSelector.setFocus();. This seems to solve the issue, and the user still is able to use the arrow keys and move through the ComboBox, but this time the font has time to load and display properly before it lands on the next font in the list.

Now this may be a hack in some peoples eyes, but it works and I could not come up with anything else. If you know of another way to slow down the user’s comboBox selection, please comment here and let me know. If not, I hope this helps someone.

T

Now that I’m back in Flex I’m going to start working on an AIR app for the Android phone. I think this will be a great excuse for me to start posting tutorials again and also start blogging a little more then I have been.

Also I’m trying out a new posting extension inside of Google Chrome and this seems pretty nice. Let’s hope it works.

I am still going to be doing interactive work but mostly freelance stuff. I want to start posting some of my learning’s here so you all can gain the knowledge I am.

Until next time.

Todd

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills with clients and internal project team • 2+ years experience in AS2 and AS3 and a strong understanding of OOP • An eye for motion design and timing • Building or working within frameworks • Experience integrating Flash with php and .Net services required • PaperVision experience a plus • Game design experience a plus • A/R experience a plus• Strong knowledge of Javascript, XML, HTML and CSS • Experience working within a team and using SVN a plus

If you possess the right mix of talent and experience, you can make an immediate impact in this growing studio. This is an in house position and candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to Indianapolis or a surrounding area. If you wish to be considered for this position please email your online portfolio and a list of urls clearly explaining your involvement on each project along with a current resume. Label “Flash Developer” in the subject header.

The Basement Design + Motion is a growing motion design studio located in Historic Fort Ben, in Indianapolis. Please refer to our site to learn morewww.thebasement.tv

Apply at: jacob@thebasement.tv

Time: May 27, 2010 from 6pm to 8pm
Location: Noodles & Company (near IUPUI)
Organized By: ickydime

Event Description:
Presenter: Mark Grossnickle (aka ickydime)

Ickydime just finished teaching his first semester at Butler University. The course was called ‘Online Portfolio’ and it focused on how to present yourself online, make connections, promote yourself, and ultimately find a job & further your career.

Ickydime plans on gathering the key topics from this course and presenting them over an hour’s span. Depending on time and interest, we will be covering a selection from the following list of topics: portfolio, resume, networking, social media, job search, and interview tips.

This is not Flash specific. It definitely is geared towards the Multimedia industry and it may have a Flash slant; however, Ickydime had students from all disciplines including Education/Biology/Business and the general concepts that will be discussed will be relevant to anyone who is looking to further their career.

Schedule:
6:00pm: Doors open. Everyone can meet and greet.
6:30pm: Presentation Begins.
7:30pm: Open Floor
8:00pm: McNivens?

Directions:
We will be in the conference room of Noodles & Co. Address is found above.

Hope to see you all there.