3-D text effects often are used to add emphasis to a text message. The letters of the text most often are constructed in three dimensions. The letters rotate or move along paths. The more sophisticated 3-D text effects combine rotations, spins and zooms. Letters often are stylishly pulled out of this swarm of motion to spell out a non-moving static text message for a finale.
Rotating a sphere, such as the Earth, is another 3-D effect that can be created with Flash. Realistic sphere rotation can be found in video games that involve outer space. In these games, asteroids spin about their 3-D axes as they race across the screen. Although some of these 3-D effects require advanced ActionScript programming skills, many are created just using the Flash drawing and tweening tools.
3-D carousels (similar to a merry-go-round) are sometimes seen on shopping sites. The shopper can spin a virtual carousel that contains 3-D pictures of merchandise. The carousel can be stopped when the product comes in full view. The product then can be selected to find out more information or explore different 3-D views of it.
Graphic simulation of lightbulbs, rainbows or the sun rising or setting over a landscape all need Flash 3-D lighting effects. Implementing these often requires significant skill and experience. Not only do you need to know how to use Flash tools, but you need a knowledge of perspective and how to apply 3-D shadow when the light comes from more than one source. Beyond that, making the lighting aesthetic often requires an artistic sense and the ability to control the lighting on a pixel-by-pixel basis. You have to know ActionScript code to control dynamic color changes at the pixel level.