Learning Adobe Flash CS4

By Greg Bowden

Chapter 14

Using Masks

Guided Computer Tutorials

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© Greg Bowden

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 Chapter

14
Using 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 Background

For 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.

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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.

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 Using Masks 14
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.

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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.

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 Using Masks 14
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.

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Learning Adobe Flash CS4

Text Masks
Text 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.

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