It’s very easy to create a gradient alpha mask using code. But sometimes you have to do it the gold old fashioned way.

Here are the steps for creating a gradient alpha mask without using any code.

Download sample

1. You’re mask and maskee need to be in lumped together in a MovieClip. Lets call that the maskGroup.
2. Select the maskGroup and give it a blend mode of Layer.
3. Now go into your maskGroup MovieClip.
4. The layer with the mask needs to be located above the maskee.
5. Make the mask a MovieClip if it isn’t already.
6. Give the mask a blend mode of Alpha.

That should be it.

Got’chas

Make sure that you use the Color Mixer palette to give your mask an alpha gradient. The colors in the mask don’t make any difference in the appearance of your output. It’s all about the alpha settings of your shape.

If your mask is smaller than your maskee you’ll get some odd results. Basically the maskee will be completely visible in the places where the mask doesn’t exist.

Notice, that you’re not actually using any “Mask” in the layers. It’s all done with blend modes.