In this thoroughly explained, detailed flash lesson, I will show you how to drag star mask using the Action Script code. Using this lesson, you will also learn how to convert any object into a Movie Clip Symbol, how to create instance name and much much more! Let's start!

Example:

Drag the star shape using the Selection Tool!



Step 1

First, find any image which you like to use for this lesson.

Step 2

Create a new flash document. Press Ctrl+J key on the keyboard (Document Properties) and set the dimensions of your document as the dimensions of image. Select black color as background color. Set your Flash movie's frame rate to 34 and click ok.

Step 3

Call the current layer image. Double-click on its default name (Layer 1) to change it. Press Enter once you have typed in the new name!

Step 4

Choose now File > Import > Import to stage (Ctrl+R) and import any image into a flash stage.

Step 5

While the image is still selected, hit F8 key (Convert to Symbol) to convert it into a Movie Clip Symbol.



Step 6

While the new made movie clip is still selected, go to the Align Panel (Ctrl+K) and do the following:

1. Make sure that the Align/Distribute to Stage button is turned on,
2. Click on the Align horizontal center button and
3. Click the Align vertical center button.



Step 7

While the new made movie clip is still selected, go to the Properties Panel below the stage. On the left side, You will find the Instance name input field there. Call this Movie Clip "image_mc". See the picture below!



Step 8

Create a new layer above the layer image and name it mask. After that, draw star shape like it is shown on the picture below!



Step 9

While the star is still selected, hit F8 key (Convert to Symbol) to convert it into a Movie Clip Symbol.



Step 10

While the new made movie clip is still selected, go again to the Properties Panel below the stage. On the left side, You will find the Instance name input field there. Call this Movie Clip "star_mc". See the picture below!



Step 11

Create a new layer above the layer mask and name it action script. After that, select the first frame of layer action script and go to the AS panel (F9). Then, enter this code inside the actions panel:

image_mc.setMask(star_mc);
star_mc.onPress = function() {
 startDrag(this);
}
star_mc.onRelease = function() {
 stopDrag();
}

We're done now!

Test your movie (Ctrl+Enter) and enjoy!

Download source file (.fla)