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Masking Tutorial

In this tutorial, I'm going to teach you how to make and use masks in Flash.

What are masks?
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A mask, in Flash, is something that hides everything outside of it, but shows what's inside of it.
You'll understand more as you read through this tutorial.

Step 1:
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Select the circle tool and make a circle like this:

This will be the head of your character.

Step 2:
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Now make a new layer and create two smaller circles, select them each and make it a symbol.
Your stage should look like this:

The two small circles are the eyes.

Step 3:

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Select the larger circle, then Right Click>Copy.
Make a new layer on top of the eyes' layer.
Right click on a blank of part of the stage and select Paste in Place.
Right Click on your newest layer and click on Mask.
Your timeline should look like this:

Whatever is inside your newest layer's circle is what will be shown in the movie.

Step 4:
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Move the bottom layer into the mask, underneath the eyes' layer.
Your timeline should now look like this:

Step 5:
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Unlock your eyes' layer (mine is called Layer 2).
Create a keyframe on each layer on frame 10 (or whichever frame you want lol).
Your timeline should look something like this:

Move your eyes to the other side of the head.
Your stage should look like this:

Create a motion tween on your eyes layer.
Your final timeline should look like this:

Step 6:
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Test your movie! Does it look like this?

If so, congratulations! You have successfully learned how to do something complicated in Flash!
You learned how to use masks!
Now think of your own ways to use this new skill in your own movies and make me proud!

19.06.2009. 12:04

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