Mask

Preparing the mask

Even though all the masks are constructed similarly, it’s possible to separate the resulting animation into two types. One maybe called “binocular” mask and another “video” mask.

“Binocular” mask used the moving “hole” , which is used to look at still object beyond it.

“Video” mask represent a not moving “hole”, through which the moving background is seen. As we said the main difference is in appearance. We will start from “video” mask. It’s going to be something like telescope tube to observe the views.

To make the mask we need to find the image of the “view”. Import a bitmap image and adjust it to the stage size.

• Change background color of the stage to dark. You may wonder why you need it if it’s cover with bitmap … but – you will see later.
• Extend the timeline up to 150 frames or more
• Add one more layer and place it above the layer where your bitmap is located
• In this upper layer create a symbol with the shape of the circle. Color doesn’t matter.
• Now important step. Double click an icon of the upper layer – where circle symbol is located. Change the Type of layer to Mask . The icon will change to the green-blue circle on black. Also the underlying layer (with bitmap) should change it’s icon. If you open this layer properties you will see that it changed to Masked
• By default those layers will be locked and you will see only circle on the solid background. If you make it unlocked you will see background image but circle will be solid. Actually it’s “negative” reflection of the mask

Save the movie and test it – it should look like dark rectangle with the circle where you may see the background landscape.

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