learning adobe flash cs4 - masks
DESCRIPTION
Sample pages from Chapter 14 of Learning Adobe Flash CS4 by Greg Bowden which demonstrates how use masks in animations. It includes creating a mask layer, setting the mask effect, using text as a mask, animating backgrounds and animating the mask itselfTRANSCRIPT
Learning Adobe Flash CS4By Greg Bowden
Guided Computer Tutorialswww.gct.com.au
Using MasksChapter 14
PUBLISHED BY
GUIDED COMPUTER TUTORIALSPO Box 311Belmont, Victoria, 3216, Australia
www.gct.com.au
© Greg Bowden
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First published 2009
ISBN: Module 1 1 921217 67 7 Module 2 1 921217 68 5 PDF document on CD-ROM
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© Guided Computer Tutorials 2009 14-1
Chapter
14Using Masks
Some interesting and effective animations can be created using a layer to cover (or mask) part of another layer. The portion of layer being covered can only be seen though whatever shape is drawn in the mask layer. The process is called MASKING.
Creating a Mask over a BackgroundFor this first example a mask will be used to display only part of a picture of London.
A Creating the Background Layer
1 Load Flash and create a NEW FLASH FILE, or close the current file and create a NEW FLASH FILE.
4 Display the FILE menu, highlight IMPORT and select IMPORT TO STAGE.
5 Access the FLASHcs4 SUPPORT FILES, open the CHAPTER 14 folder and import the LONDON image.
© Guided Computer Tutorials 200914-2
Learning Adobe Flash CS4
B Inserting the Mask Layer
In order for a mask to operate a layer must be converted to a MASK layer.
NOTE: You can also RIGHT+CLICK or CONTROL+CLICK on the layer name and select MASK from the CONTEXTUAL (or SHORTCUTS) menu.
© Guided Computer Tutorials 2009 14-3
14Using Masks
C Creating the Mask
A shape now needs to be drawn in the MASK layer. The background will only be seen through this shape. You can use the shape tools such as the OVAL and RECTANGLE TOOLS to create the shape, or use the BRUSH TOOL to draw a more complicated shape.
3 The program needs to be told which layer is to be masked. In this case it is the IMAGE layer.
NOTE: i The IMAGE layer is indented under the MASK layer to indicated that it is masked by the MASK layer.
ii You can drag a layer to the lower edge of a MASK layer to quickly set it to a MASKED layer.
© Guided Computer Tutorials 200914-4
Learning Adobe Flash CS4
D Background Colours
Some interesting effects can be created by changing the background colour.
2 Set the ZOOM to 100% to see the effect more clearly.
3 Try some other background colours if you wish.
© Guided Computer Tutorials 2009 14-5
14Using Masks
E Editing the Mask
If you need to edit a mask you simply unlock the layers, make the changes then re-lock the layers. Let’s say we want to change the part of the background that is seen. You can either move the background or the oval.
© Guided Computer Tutorials 200914-6
Learning Adobe Flash CS4
Text MasksText can be used as a mask as well as shapes to create some interesting text effects.
A Creating the Mask Layer
1 Save the current file, close it and create a NEW FLASH FILE.
NOTE: Some examples of thick fonts are Arial Black, Bookman Old Style, Britannic Bold, Eras Bold, Gill Sans Ultra Bold and Rockwell Extra Bold.