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AsterLUXman
AsterLUXman
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How to identify a mask?

Jun 27, 2012 1:50 AM

Tags: #mask #layer #layer_mask

How can you figure out programmatically that a shape is used as a mask?

 

 

Use case:

 

1) In the authoring tool, create 2 layers with a shape on each.

 

2) Set the topmost layer as a mask layer.

 

3) If you do a trace, neither shapes will have their mask properties set, and yet, the 'topmopt' shape ( from the mask layer ) will nevertheless act as a mask.

 

4) I would like to know how I could identify via actionscript if a shape is used as a mask in this particular situation.

578 Views   5 Replies   Latest reply: AsterLUXman, Jun 27, 2012 6:10 PM
 
Replies
  • dmeN
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    1. dmeN,
    Jun 27, 2012 2:00 PM   in reply to AsterLUXman
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    If you set the mask in the timeline you can't query the mask property with script. You have to set it with script in order to query it with script.

     
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  • esdebon
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    2. esdebon,
    Jun 27, 2012 3:26 PM   in reply to AsterLUXman
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    Removes the layer mask property and assign it with code.

     

    yourMovieClip.mask=yourMask1;

     

    A mask can be applied to several other movieclips, but a movie clip can not have multiple masks.

    Maybe you should put all of your layer "masks" into a single movie clip

     
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  • AsterLUXman
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    3. AsterLUXman,
    Jun 27, 2012 5:24 PM   in reply to AsterLUXman
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    Thank you dmennonoh & esdebon !

     

    What an annoyance that there is no way to identify elements on mask layers, via AS.

     

    What I am resorting to doing is using nomenclature (ex: "myShape_mask" <-- if getChildAt(i).name.split("_").indexOf( "mask" ) != -1 ) to identify what is on a mask layer or not, to assign the "mask" properties of masked objects, programmatically, as well as do other processing.

     
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  • Ned Murphy
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    4. Ned Murphy,
    Jun 27, 2012 5:41 PM   in reply to AsterLUXman
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    You shouldn't have to split the name on the underscore.... name.indexOf(...etc should be all you need if you are looking for "mask" in  the name

     

    Is there some reason you do not create the masks programmatically instead of using the timeline?  It would probably remove any annoyance you have.

     
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  • AsterLUXman
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    5. AsterLUXman,
    Jun 27, 2012 6:10 PM   in reply to Ned Murphy
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    Ned, thank's for the tip:  I didn't know String had an indexOf().

     

    The authoring tool is much more practical for creating intricate / deep-treed assets (like animated characters):  one can preview that the masks work properly, and I can rely on someone who is not a programmer to create the assets.

     

    Setting DisplayObject.mask via framescript is not really something I would want an Artist to have to deal with (+ it would be hard to debug if something went wrong ).

     
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