MACROMEDIA FLASH 8-FLASH, Tutorials Manual

Page: 186 / 292

186 Creating Graphics: Applying Gradients
Create a transform gradient with
a shape
In this section, you will create a gradient and then use the Free Transform
tool to change its shape.
1.
Select the Shadow layer in the Timeline.
2.
Select the Oval tool in the Tools panel.
3.
Hold down Shift and then drag on the Stage with the Oval tool to draw
a circle approximately 150 pixels square. This should be about the same
diameter as the eight ball.
4. In the Color Mixer’s Type menu, select Radial.
5. Move the left gradient color swatch all the way to the left. You should
have one swatch all the way to the left and one all the way to the right.
6.
Double-click the left swatch and select the color black (#000000) in the
Color Picker.
7. Double-click the right swatch to display the Color Picker.
8.
Select the color black (#000000).
9.
In the Color Picker, drag the Alpha slider down to zero. This creates a
gradient from black to transparent, allowing the green background to
show through the edge of the circle you just drew.
10.
Select the Gradient Transform tool from the Tools panel and drag the
Focal Point control of the gradient back to the center of the circle.
11. Select the Free Transform tool and scale the circle along the y (vertical)
axis by dragging the top-center handle downward as shown in the
following illustration.
The gradient is transformed along with the shape transformation.