Learn more about the different versions of ActionScript, how to use them, and how to migrate projects from one version of ActionScript to another.


  • AVM1
    • ActionScript 1.0 The first and most diverse version of ActionScript. This started with simple timeline control commands and evolved into a rich, JavaScript-like language. Though old by today's standards, it is still used heavily with mobile devices.
    • ActionScript 2.0 An extension of ActionScript 1.0 that included a new class syntax for defining ActionScript classes in external (.as) files. When compiled, the resulting bytecode remains ActionScript 1.0.
  • AVM2
    • ActionScript 3.0 The drastically new, enhanced version of ActionScript that required a new virtual machine to be added to the player for it to operate. Much of the syntax is the same, but a lot has changed, including event handling, display object management, and XML (among others).

Flash Player

Quick Reference


Latest Update: The Events article is now in a section titled "evolution." It's meant to cover more general changes of behavior and APIs throughout all versions of ActionScript and Flash Player. More will be added there soon.

There's also now a section for AIR, Flash Lite, and Frameworks. AIR and Flash Lite have little to no content now. Frameworks has some minimal information. Again, more will be added soon.