Workspace Modes
FlashFX provides three distinct workspace modes, each optimized for a specific stage of the creative process. Switching between modes reconfigures the interface to surface only the tools and panels relevant to your current task.
Design Mode
The default workspace for creating and arranging visual elements. Design mode gives maximum screen real estate to the canvas and layer panel, with the properties panel always visible on the right.
Layout:
- •Toolbar on the left edge
- •Layer panel below toolbar (fixed)
- •Canvas in the center (largest viewport)
- •Properties panel on the right (always visible)
- •Timeline hidden
Best for:
- •Drawing shapes and paths
- •Importing and positioning images
- •Setting up the composition structure
- •Applying materials, fills, and strokes
- •Arranging layers and groups
Animate Mode
The workspace for keyframe animation and motion design. Animate mode splits the screen vertically, dedicating the lower half to the timeline while compressing the properties panel to a narrower column.
Layout:
- •Toolbar on the left edge
- •Layer panel as a collapsible drawer (can be toggled)
- •Canvas in the upper center (reduced height)
- •Properties panel on the right (narrower form)
- •Timeline occupies the full bottom section
Best for:
- •Creating keyframes
- •Adjusting easing curves
- •Previewing animation playback
- •Timing and synchronization
- •Editing motion paths
Advanced Mode
A hybrid workspace combining full access to all panels simultaneously. Advanced mode is for power users who need to see the timeline and layer panel alongside the canvas without toggling views.
Layout:
- •Toolbar on the left edge
- •Layer panel below toolbar (fixed, scrollable)
- •Canvas in the upper center
- •Properties panel on the right (full width)
- •Timeline at the bottom
- •All panels resizable via drag handles
Best for:
- •Complex multi-layer compositions
- •Workflows requiring frequent mode switches
- •Large displays with ample screen space
- •Experienced users who want maximum control
Switching Modes
Access the mode switcher from the menu bar at the top of the interface. The active mode is highlighted with a cyan indicator.
Keyboard shortcuts:
- •Ctrl/Cmd + 1 — Design mode
- •Ctrl/Cmd + 2 — Animate mode
- •Ctrl/Cmd + 3 — Advanced mode
Switching modes does not affect your project data. All elements, keyframes, and settings are preserved. Only the interface layout changes.
Mode-Specific Features
Certain features are only accessible in specific modes:
| Feature | Design | Animate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape drawing tools | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Timeline editing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Keyframe creation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Graph editor | No | Yes | Yes |
| Layer panel (fixed) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Full properties panel | Yes | No | Yes |
| Resizable panels | No | No | Yes |
Recommended Workflow
Most users follow this workflow pattern:
- •Start in Design mode — Create all visual elements, set up the composition
- •Switch to Animate mode — Add keyframes, adjust timing, preview motion
- •Use Advanced mode — For final polish and complex multi-layer edits