Let us see how to create an Advanced Mask Effect without Action Script in Flash. This tutorial will also teach you how to use Line Tool and how to create by Color Mixer Panel gradient shape. This Mask Effect is really helpful, and you can use it for banners, header animation, picture effects, or wherever you want.



Step 1

Open a new Flash document, take the Text Tool (T) and type some text on the stage. Then, double click on layer 1 and name it text. Look at the picture below!







Step 2

Lock text layer, Insert a new layer and name it effect.



Step 3

Take the Line Tool (N), use a solid of around 0.5 pixel and start drawing the lines of the text. Look at the picture below!







I know that this process is very slow and boring but the finally result is very cool.

Step 4

Select all the lines and press F8 (Convert to Symbol). In Convert to Symbol window under Behavior (Type - flash8) choose a Movie Clip, name it whatever you like and press ok.



Step 5

Double click on the new made Movie Clip, or right click and choose Edit in Place.



Step 6

While your all lines is still selected choose Modify > Shape > Convert Lines to Fills. After that rename layer 1 to "mask" by double clicking on the layer name.

Step 7

Insert a new layer and name it gradient. Then using drag and drop technique, move that layer (gradient) beneath the mask layer. Look at the picture below!



Step 8

Select the Rectangle Tool (R), Stroke Color must be switched off, under Fill color choose white, and draw a "rectangle" at the left side of text.

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Step 9

Select the "rectangle" and choose Window > Color Mixer (Shift+F9). Than in the Color Mixer Panel set the options from the picture below!

 

Step 10

Select that rectangle and press F8 (Convert to Symbol). In Convert to Symbol window under behavior (Type - flash8) choose a Movie Clip, name it whatever you like and press ok.



Step 11

Click on the twentieth frame of layer gradient and press F6. After that move your "rectangle" on the right side of text. Look at the picture below!



Step 12

Go back on the first frame, Open the Properties Panel (Ctrl+F3) and under Tween choose Motion. Ease set to 100. Look at the picture below!





Step 13

Click on the twentieth frame of layer mask and press F5.



Step 14

Select the mask layer and choose right-click and select mask to turn the layer into a mask.



Step 15

Go back on the main scene (Scene 1), press Ctrl+J (Document Properties) and set Frame rate to 20fps (Frames per second).



We're done!

I hope that you understand this tutorial! Cheers!

Download source file (.fla)

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