Hello Bob,
> Thanks for the input. Maybe it's time to move on from Flash 7! The
> blend mode approach doesn't quite do what I want - unless I've
> misunderstood something. This is what I'm trying to do:
>
> this.blendMode = "layer";
> bitmap_mc.blendMode = "erase";
> maskee_mc.setMask(bitmap_mc);
> Without the 3rd line, bitmap_mc successfully knocks it's own shape
> out of mcs below it. But when set as a mask it knocks out it's
> containing rectangle. If instead of blend I manually delete the
> "transparent" areas from the bitmap I get the required result. It's
> difficult to understand the difference between the bitmap I produce
> this way and the original imported .psd file with the same transparent
> areas.
You are absolutely right about concealing difference between blend feature
and actual transparency in imported images (.psd, .png).
However, I suppose this was just a first step of adobe (initially macromedia
team) back to Director ideas of masking (it was perfectly marvelous there).
When you need to mask an image with some predefined mask it's much easier
to use images that already have transparency (.png is the choice). Nevertheless,
think of situation when you are dynamically (via AS) building complex mask:
you can use BitmapData class to scan, for example, an image and build your
mask on the basis of this scan with further option to apply different blending
modes on the fly. Need more vivid example? No problemo: for instace, you
are making some dynamic gallery or e-shop frontend, all your photos are initially
made for easier keying feature (on some solid color background. most often
green or blue), and you need to use these photos to be displayed semi-transparent.
Of couse, you can use photoshop (processing images like a sort of a robot...),
but you can use the method I've described above (letting you flash work over
the photos and making it possible for you to spend much more time with sweet
chicks d^_^b or beer, or whatever you like). The choice is yours )))
>> Stay informed about: Mask from transparent Photoshop image 
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