Flash 8 Cookbook

1.14. Building Complex Shapes from Simple Shapes

Problem

You want to create a complex shape for which Flash doesn’t have a specific tool.

Solution

Use Flash’s intersect, punch, crop, slice, and union behaviors strategically to create the shape in multiple steps.

Discussion

Flash has two drawing models—merge and object. Making complex shapes is possible using either drawing model. Which approach you take is a matter of preference, as is the type of shape you want to make. When you select a tool that supports the object drawing model (e. g., the Oval or Rectangle tools), a small Object Drawing button appears in the Options section of the Tools panel. The button (with a circular icon) enables you to toggle between the merge (default, deselected state) and object (selected state) drawing models.

When you draw on the stage using the merge drawing model, elements drawn in the same layer and frame that overlap will interact with one another by slicing, merging, and/or punching. Flash’s auto-slice, auto-punch, and auto-union behaviors are unusual among vector applications. In most drawing applications, slicing, union, and punch are available, but they never happen automatically. All too often, Flash users inadvertently utilize one of the features, with Undo as the only recourse. However, you can and should use Flash’s behavior strategically to create shapes that would otherwise be difficult to create.

When you place an ungrouped shape over another and deselect both shapes, Flash will automatically ...