How to make a gradient mask with a feathered edge?

[cfgovinda]

Hi,

I am trying to create a gradual gradient mask (so text is gradually revealed under a moving gradient mask with a feathered edge), but I cannot seem to do it. I am using Macromedia Flash MX Pro version7. It says in the docs for this software -

"Flash ignores bitmaps, gradients, transparency, colors, and line styles in a mask layer. Any filled area is completely transparent in the mask; any nonfilled area is opaque."
(implying that the mask's edge must be abrupt and not feathered the way i want.)

Yet I have someone else's .fla file open that *IS* doing the very thing I want. But I am unable to duplicate it in my own doc! I do not know what software he used. Can I do this with the software I have?

Thanks for any feedback!
-Govinda

[cfgovinda]

Doesn't anyone have any idea about this? It boggles my mind that I see the docs say it is not possible, and then I see the very phenomenon in a file I open with that very software. I just cannot duplicate it!?
I'd really appreciate any guidance!
-G

[bigtiger]

Hi,

I found a way to archive this effect.It is required to use flash 8 pro.
But this may work or not with previous version.

Steps to produce.

Create a empty movieclip and drag a copy of it on the stage.
Change its blending mode to layer mode from normal mode on the properties window on the bottom of the screen
Double-click it to enter the in-place editing mode.
Create two layer, name it sourceMC and destinationMC respectively.
Put an image or any filled objects on the destinationMC layer for test purpose.
Draw an object on the sourceMC layer and change its fill to radical.
Modify the alpha value to 0% on one of color on the radical filled object mentioned above.
Convert this filled object to a symbol
Set the blending mode of this object to alpha


The object is now showed invisible and it is correct.
Exit the in-place editing mode and back to the main time line
The movieclip created on step 1 should now be showed as having gradient look & feel.

Hope this should help a bit. :)

p.s. If the steps above hard to understanding.
Please PM me. I can send the pdf file to you.

Eric,