Simple Text Masking
Software : Flash CS3
Level : Intermediate

Concept: Simple text masking is done using circle animated with motion tween in Adobe Flash software. The animated circle is converted to mask over the stationary text. You will see only the portion of the text which is overlapped by the circle. The circle is moved from left to right so that the text is seen as if its in the dark and the flash light is moving over to reveal it. This animation shows the simple basic technique to understand the usage of text for masking.

1. Open flash and type the text. Try to choose thick font to get the better effect.

2. Press F5 at 60th frame to keep the text uniform for 60 frames.

3. For this particular animation we don't need to convert the text to symbol because we are not going to make any changes to the text.

4. Create new layer in the timeline and draw the circle to the left. Keep it selected.

5. Convert the circle into graphic symbol.

6. Select 60th frame on the top layer where the circle is placed and press F6 to insert the Keyframe.

7. Drag the circle to right side at the end of the text and apply motion tween.

8. If you play this animation it will be regular, simple animation with a circle moving over the text.

9. Right click on the top layer where the circle is situated and select Mask.

10. The layer in the timeline will show the changes indicating masking.

11. The text will be displayed only where the circle is overlapped.

12. Export movie using File > Export > Export Movie