Click Tracking with Flash -
Advertisers/Agencies

To track a Flash creative's performance, the FLA file must be embedded with the variable clickTAG as its click through URL. The following details how to apply this tracking code in the FLA file.

For Reference

Visit Macromedia's Resource Center:

  • Tracking Macromedia Flash Movies
  • Designer's Guide: Building Macromedia Flash Banners with Tracking Capabilities

    • Tagging Flash (FLA) Creative

    Flash 5 or below:
    Use the getURL() function in the Object Actions panel to write the tracking code.
    1. Add an extra layer to the top of the layer panel.
    2. Select that layer with the Selection tool.
    3. Choose the Rectangle tool and cover the creative throughout the entire timeline of the movie.
    4. Convert the rectangle into a "Button" symbol.
    5. Make the rectangle transparent: Effect panel > Alpha > 0%
    6. In the Object Actions panel, associate the following action to the transparent rectangle:
    • On Mouse Event: Release
    • GetURL: clickTAG
    • Window: _blank
    1. Check the Expression box so there are no quotes around clickTag (see picture below).
    The script should look like this:

    on (release) {
    getURL (clickTAG, "_blank");
    }

    • Export into a SWF file. Send the SWF along with a separate text file that tells us the landing URL to be tracked and the Flash version the creative was developed in.

    • About.com AdOps will build the HTML code that passes the clickTAG variable with the landing URL to track performance.

    • NOTE: Do not hard-code the URL into the Flash button. This will bypass the DART system and clicks will not be recorded.
    Please note the following items to check to ensure the SWF file works properly:
    • Assign the ActionScript to the button object.
    • Make sure the clickTag button layer is at the top of the layer panel.
    • No embedded click-throughs other than the getURL command for web links that you want to be tracked.
    • All buttons that use a getURL() command must exist directly on the main stage.
    • Only implement the function "on (release)" — all other controls (on press, on rollOver, etc.) are not compatible with DART.
    • Include the attribute "_blank" so a new browser window opens upon click.
    • Since passing the click variable is case sensitive, telling us how the click variable is written (clickTag or clickTAG) may be required.
    • IMPORTANT: Our system only accepts files coded in Action Script 1.0 for version 6 flash player. We recommend the publish settings shown below:


    • Note: the default AS version for flash 8 is 2.0 and the default Flash Player version is 7, with compress movie option selected.

    Any questions, please contact traffic@about.com.

    Flash MX/Flash or MX 2004/Flash 7 Users

    The appearance of your screen may differ depending on the Flash version you're working in.

    Flash MX/Flash 6:
    getURL(clickTAG) & choose "_blank" by the window option in the action window

    Flash MX 2004/Flash 7:
    getURL(clickTAG,"_blank")

    Below is a screen-shot of the implementation page in v.7:

    Final Requirements

    All advertisers wishing to use Flash creatives must submit the following before the two business day testing period can begin:
    • SWF file
    • Default GIF or JPG file (this file will display for users who don't have the flash plug-in installed.)
    • Click-through URL

    Tracking Multi-Click Flash

    Multi-click Flash creative must be set up in the following manner in order for our tracking script to be implemented. Each clickable button uses the url variables, like so:

    Button One, for url1, would be:
    on (release) {
    if (_level0.clickTAG .substr(0,5) == "http:") {
    getURL (_level0.clickTAG + "http://www.YOUR-URL-GOES-HERE.com", "_blank");
    }}
    Button Two, for url2, would be:
    on (release) {
    if (_level0.clickTAG .substr(0,5) == "http:") {
    getURL (_level0.clickTAG + "http://www.YOUR-SECOND-URL-GOES-HERE.com", "_blank");
    }}
    And so on, for each additional button. This prepends our tracking URL in front of the destination URL.
    • Each click instance should be put on its own layer. Do not put the clicks all on one layer.
    • Please provide the URLs and which clickTAG each belongs to in a separate text file.

    NOTE: We recommend using a maximum of five URLs because most web browsers have limits to the URL length that it can request. Click tracking URLs in Flash can get very long as they must contain ad tracking data and redirect information.

    See the sites below for more information:
    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q208427
    http://www.asp101.com/tips/index.asp?id=102
    http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/q/query_string.html

    Flash using form fields

    If you are creating a flash ad that passes form value information:
    • Use the GET method.
    • Insert the action for the form directly in the flash file using the getURL() function.
    An example of how to write the script for a form with 2 fields is as follows:
    on (release) {
    if (field1 == "" || field2 == "") {
    gotoAndPlay(1);
    } else {
    getURL(_root.clickTAG +"http://www.YOUR-URL.com/esp/register/script.asp?origin="+field1+"&destination="+field2,"_blank);
    }
    }
    • The form field values are appended at the end of the click through URL in the getURL() function.
    • The clickTAG variable is appended in front of the click through URL.
    Make sure to omit the 'method' parameter of the getURL(); function. (i.e., set it to 'Don't Send' instead of 'Get' or 'Post').

    Flash CPU Usage Guidelines

    Macromedia's Flash Player utilizes a computer's CPU (central processing unit) in handling all animation, masking, and computation contained within a Flash file. If a Flash file contains heavy amounts of mathematical computation for elements such as animation, loops, or timers, it will require a much greater percenTag e of CPU usage. As a result, the Flash file is forced to compete with other Flash files and other applications for CPU usage, which causes all Flash elements on the page to slow down significantly.

    Below are some common reasons why CPU utilization can be very high in Flash creative.

    • Frame Rate is over 18 frames per second. Reducing the number to 18 does not degrade visual performance.
    • Layered animated sequences animating at the same time.
    • Animated sequences set to be translucent and animating on top of an imported graphic (ex: jpeg, png, etc.).
    • Action Script-generated events set to randomly generate (ex: fog and rain).
    • Imported graphics scaled up over a long period of time.
    • Masking and animated masking techniques can also require a large amount of CPU resources.

    There are several ways to help cut down on the CPU usage your Flash file requires. One way is to limit the amount of "math-based" animation - animation which is controlled by mathematical-based action script. Another way is to limit or eliminate looping functions in action script. Looping functions are usually associated with timers. We recommend limiting Flash CPU utlization to 65%.

    One way to estimate how CPU intensive your Flash file may be is to open the "Task Manager" (control+alt+delete) and view the "Performance" tab -- this gives a graphical estimate of CPU usage. With the Task Manager open, then open your SWF file in the Flash player - you may see a spike as your Flash file is animating. A small spike of 20-30% is normal; if your CPU Usage jumps up to 80-100%, the Flash file may need revising until it uses less CPU resources.

    About.com reserves the right to reject creative if it requires a higher than normal percenTag e of CPU resources and would, as a result of this, cause other page elements to slow down.

    Notes, Terms and Conditions

    • No limitation for loops
    • Your Flash file must not exceed 30K
    • 14 - 18 Frames Per Second (FPS)
    • All sound must be user initiated
    • Testing period is two business days and begins when all ad materials are submitted.
    • Please allow two business days for any Flash creative change/replacement.
    • About.com, Inc. reserves the right to reject advertisements considered unacceptable as to creative, wordings, looks, or for any other reasons.