Importing Images & Transform
1. Importing Images
1.1 Supported Formats
FlashFX accepts the following raster image formats:
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG | .jpg, .jpeg | Lossy compression. No transparency. |
| PNG | .png | Lossless. Full alpha channel transparency support. |
| WebP | .webp | Lossy or lossless. Alpha channel support. Recommended for performance. |
| GIF | .gif | Static frame only. Animated GIFs are imported as a single still (first frame). |
| SVG | .svg | Vector format. Imported as a rasterized image (not as editable vector paths). To use SVG as editable paths, use File → Import SVG as Paths instead. |
| AVIF | .avif | Modern lossy/lossless format. Excellent compression. Browser-dependent support. |
| BMP | .bmp | Uncompressed. Very large files. Supported but not recommended. |
1.2 Import Methods
Drag and Drop: Drag any supported image file from the file system directly onto the canvas. The image is placed at the drop location at its natural pixel dimensions.
Image Import Tool (I): Activating the Image Import tool and clicking the canvas opens a file picker dialog. Select any supported image file.
Copy and Paste: Paste an image from the clipboard (Ctrl+V). Accepts images copied from other applications, web browsers, or the file system.
AI Generation: Images can be generated directly in FlashFX via the DALL-E integration without importing a file. See Section 12.
Google Image Search: Search and import images directly from within FlashFX. See Section 12.
1.3 Initial Placement
When imported, the image is placed:
- •At the cursor position if imported via drag-and-drop
- •Centered on the canvas if imported via the tool or file picker
- •At its natural pixel dimensions as the initial size
If the image is larger than the canvas, a prompt offers to fit the image to the canvas dimensions while preserving aspect ratio.
2. Image Transform & Placement
Imported images are treated as rectangular elements in the layer stack. They participate fully in the transform system.
2.1 Position, Size, Rotation
All standard transform operations apply: position (X/Y), width, height, rotation, scale, skew, opacity, and anchor point. See Document 02, Section 3 for the complete transform reference.
2.2 Aspect Ratio Lock
Images have aspect ratio locking enabled by default. Disable it via the chain-link icon in the Properties Panel to apply non-uniform scaling (stretching or squashing the image).
2.3 Flip
- •Flip Horizontal (
Ctrl+Shift+H) — mirrors the image along the vertical axis - •Flip Vertical (
Ctrl+Shift+V) — mirrors the image along the horizontal axis
Flipping is applied as a -100% scale on the corresponding axis and is animatable.
2.4 Blend Mode & Opacity
Images support the full blend mode library (all 27 modes — see Document 02, Section 10). Blend mode is set in the Properties Panel under "Compositing."
Blend modes on images are particularly useful for:
- •Multiply on texture overlays — the texture darkens the content below it
- •Screen on light-colored effects (sparkles, glows) — the dark background of the image disappears, leaving only the bright effect
- •Overlay on grunge or texture maps — increases contrast and texture simultaneously
- •Luminosity on color grading images — applies the brightness structure of an image without affecting the hue below