A mask is like ...well....a mask it can cover
over an underlying image.
In Flash the mask can be animated.
This can be used to give a spotlight effect or a neat opening to a
movie (circular/rectangular mask)
Give it a try now
Inserting Layers and Naming them
The image to be masked will be
your background and this image must be imported
into the library and then placed on the stage (or any other
layer can be used)
Create another layer above
your background image layer ( call it mask)
Name the top layer to "Mask" and
the layer below that to "Background".
Creating Shape Tween
Using Oval tool from your tool
box, draw a circle in your "Mask"
layer
Drag the circle to one end of
your picture.
Now go to frame "lets say" 40 or
what ever time you choose" of your "Mask"
layer and press "F6" to insert a new keyframe.
Now go to frame 40 of your
"background" layer and press "F5"
to insert frames, so that your background image is available all
through your mask.
Select "frame 40" of your
"Mask" layer, that is your new keyframe, keeping the
playhead on "frame 40" of "Mask" layer, drag the circle to other
end of your picture.
Now go back to "frame 1" of your
"Mask" layer, keeping the playhead on "frame 1" of your "Mask"
layer, select Shape Tween
in your properties window.
Masking
Right click
on the "Mask" layer (the area where you named the
layer not where the frames exist) and select
Mask.
Your Mask is all ready. Press Ctrl+Enter
to preview your animated Mask
NOW think outside the box and
imagine all the possibilities you have to create interesting
masks for many reasons such as
mysterious introductions or
wanderings
circular, oval, rectangular
intros or closings to scenes
