Flash MX 2004 - Masking Text

This tutorial will use simple motion tweens to teach you how to create a simple mask that moves back and forth across the text of your choice.

Step 1

First off, rename Layer 1 to text. Select Frame #1 and create the text that you want to be masked. Go to Frame 40, select it and add a keyframe (F6 or Insert > Timeline > Keyframe).

Step 2

Insert a new layer either by going to Insert > Timeline > Layer or clicking the Insert Layer button at the bottom left corner of the Timeline. Make sure this new layer is ABOVE the layer with your text on it. Rename the layer to mask.

mask
text

A mask layer will automatically mask the layer directly below it, so make sure you have them in the right order.

Step 3

Create a filled in circle, select it, and make it a Graphic symbol (F8) and name it maskcircle Color does not matter. On a mask layer, anything filled becomes transparent. Make it large enough to where it is taller than your text, and place it to the left hand side of your text. On this same mask layer, insert a Keyframe at frame 40. Now go to Frame 20 and insert a Keyframe and move the circle symbol to the right side of the text.

Step 4

Select Frame 1 on the mask layer. In the Properties Inspector (if it's not showing below your workarea, Window > Properties), from the Tween drop-down box, select Motion. Set Ease to 100 (Out). Now do the same at Frame 20. This isn't necessary, it just adds a delayed slide. You can try different Easing settings to find something you like or don't use it at all. This is designer's choice.

Step 5

One last step is to set the mask. Right click on your top (mask) layer, and choose Mask from the menu options. This should lock both layers. To do further editing, you will need to unlock the layers (by clicking the lock symbol on the layer).

Step 6

Test your movie! If you have problems, make sure your layers are in the correct order.