Using mask layers

For spotlight effects and transitions, you can create a hole through which the content of a layer underneath shows using a mask layer. You can group multiple layers together under a single mask layer to create sophisticated effects. You can also use any type of animation, except motion paths, to make the mask move. You cannot mask layers inside of buttons.

A mask layer hides everything on the layers linked to the mask layer, except where you place a filled object. A filled shape or type object on the mask layer creates a hole through which the contents of layers underneath are visible. Mask layers can contain only a single shape, instance, or type object. Mask layers provide similar functionality to the Paste Inside command in FreeHand.

In the example above, the type masks the two animated circles.

To create a mask layer:

1	Create a layer containing the content you want to show through the holes in the mask.
2	Make sure that the layer you created is selected and choose Insert > Layer to create a new layer above it.
	A mask layer always masks the layer immediately below it, so be sure to create the layer in the proper place.
3	Draw a filled shape, place type, or create an instance of a symbol on the mask layer. Flash ignores bitmaps, gradients, transparency, colors, and line styles in a mask layer. Any filled area will be completely transparent in the mask; any non-filled area will be opaque.
4	Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Macintosh) the mask layer's name in the Timeline and choose Mask from the context menu.
	Flash locks the mask layer and the layer being masked. To edit the mask or masked layer, unlock the layer. This turns off the display of the mask. To redisplay the mask effect, lock the mask or masked layer.

To link layers to a mask layer:

Do one of the following:

	Drag an existing layer below the mask layer. The layer is indented under the mask layer.
	Create a new layer under the mask layer.
	Choose Modify > Layer and select Masked in the Layer Properties dialog.
	Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Macintosh) the layer.

To unlink layers from a mask layer:

Select the layer you want to unlink, and do one of the following:

	Drag the layer above the mask layer.
	Choose Modify > Layer and select Normal.
	Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (Macintosh) the layer.