Creative Masking in
Flash
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> Software > Flash
by Don Herion
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Step 5
Now you will want to position the 'Visible
Scope.' This is the graphic that the viewer will see moving around, allowing them
to spy on the office guys. Select frame 1 for that layer and drag the 'Visible
Scope' symbol onto the movie. Position it precisely over the 'Masking Scope' graphic
by entering the x and y locations (from your notes) in the 'Object' window. Now
create new keyframes at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75. Position the 'Visible Scope' in
the same locations you did for the 'Masking Scope.' Add 'Create Motion Tweens'
for the same keyframes as you did for 'Masking Scope.' Now when you shift the
'Playhead' the two scope graphics move as one.
Step 6
You now want to add the exterior or front of the office. Select 'Office' layer
and frame 1. Now drag the 'Office' graphic onto the screen and position it over
the 'The Office Guys' symbol.
Step 7
Applying the
masking effect is very simple. Select the 'Masking Scope' layer. Right click it
and select 'Mask.' This applies the masking effect to the 'Masking Scope.' Remember
'The Guys' layer must be beneath the 'Masking Scope' as the masking command only
affects that layer.
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| Layer hierarchy is important when masking |
Step
6
The last part of this project is to give visitors the power to control
the spyglass. Type in 'Big Brother is Watching' at the bottom. Go - Insert - Convert
to Symbol - or press F8. Click - Button - under Behavior to convert the graphic
into a button. The 'Action' tab appears. Click the '+' and select the 'On Mouse
Event' action from the drop down menu. Your button should only function with the
'On (Press)' command. Add a 'Go to and Play' command and select frame 2. Now whenever
you press the button the animation will play.
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| Add an action to a button is easy |
Now
select frame 1 for the 'Big Brother is Watching' layer and right click it. Choose
Properties. Click the 'Action' tab and then the '+' tab. Add a 'Stop' command.
This will prevent the animation from playing until a viewer presses the button
you created. Now select the last frame (75) and right click it. Choose Properties.
Click the 'Action' tab and then the '+' tab. Add a 'Go to and Stop' and Frame
Number '1' command. Now when the animation reaches frame 75 it will return to
frame 1 and stop.
Step 6
Press - Enter. The spyglass
slides over the office exposing the working habits of the employees. Not a pretty
sight, huh.
Download the completed project - Big_Brother_Masking.fla.
