Abstract: A plurality of object oriented parts are automatically interconnected on a computer system. A user selects at least two of the parts for interconnection. Default actions and events are automatically selected for each object, and the connection therebetween is made.

Abstract: A multimedia title comprised of a plurality of parts is synchronized on a computer system. A co-tool automatically synchronizes at least one of the parts with reference to relative time. The co-tool may comprise a co-begin tool, a co-end tool, a co-occur tool, or a meet tool.

Abstract: An authoring tool is enabled to create special effects on an image using a color scale. A pattern file is used to map the image to the desired effect. By assigning meaning to one or more of the colors in the color scale, an image will be produced in accordance with the pattern file and the selected colors.

Abstract: A movement path is defined for a multimedia object in an application development environment. A multimedia object is placed in a layout area of the application development environment. A movement path is then specified within the layout area for the object using a pointing device. The object may either be dragged along the movement path by the pointing device or individual points may be selected with the pointing device to define the movement path. Once the path has been defined, the path may be easily modified. The user may add or delete points by simply selecting a point with the pointing device for addition or deletion. In addition, the user may combine two or more movement paths into one.

Abstract: A development tool simplifies layout of a part for a multimedia title. A spacer tool may be placed onto a graphical representation of a part. The spacer tool may be a play spacer which plays the part for a designated period of time, a hide spacer which hides what would have been an otherwise visible portion of a part, a rate spacer which changes the rate at which the part is played, or a move spacer which causes a part to move along a predetermined path while visible.

Abstract: Parts for a multimedia title may be extended indefinitely relative to time with a user interface tool. A part for a multimedia title is provided with edges having a wrap handle affixed to one edge. By dragging and dropping the wrap handle to a wrap corral, the part will play or be visible indefinitely.

Abstract: A unique event may be generated for a particular part at a particular time that is synchronized with an arbitrary event raised by an arbitrary part for a multimedia title using an interface tool. The particular part of the arbitrary event is visually specified and a time event specifier is placed on the particular part at the particular time in order to generate the unique event. The unique event is displayed as a graphical representation which may be directly manipulated by the developer. In addition, the event specifier may initiate the unique event at a predetermined recurring interval.