AAAARRRRGGGGHHH! How the heck do I create a gradient mask???

[cfull]

I have seen it done on many of the "Matrix" style flash movies. I have seen a gradient in there, but when I re-create it, it doesn't work. And another thing? How do I create a transparent PNG in Photoshop? I have tried, and failed miserably. Help please! Thanks.

 

[Lizzie]

It is hard to know exactly what you are doing but I think if you set the gradient to go fom a solid colour to a transparent colour it will work as a mask. In Flash 4 you can change the alpha setting of the colours that you use in a gradient. I haven't discovered yet how to do it in Flash 5, sorry!

 

[Eddie]

Are you sure what you saw as a gradient. In Flash, many things can be simulated. It could have been a gradient bitmap with Alpha settings adjusted. I am under the impression that Flash 4 does not support gradient masking however.
As far as the transparent PNG, you need at least Photoshop 5.5. Create your graphic, grade it, then select "Save for Web". Select the PNG-24 option and check "transparency".
That should do it.

 

[Guest_imported]

Photoshop 5.0 also allows you to save a transparent PNG. Go to Help menu select Export Transparent Image. A wizard will pop up and you'll have the option to save as a transparent gif or png.

 

[cfull]

Thanks very much, I was beginning to think nobody responded in this board. Cheers.