layer conundrum- might be simple

[ironyx]

Have several layers, one has an emblem, another has buttons, and another has visible paths for a "windy" effect that the buttons will follow. I must have the paths above the emblem layer. Then I need the buttons on top of the paths layer, but I would like the buttons to appear to come from behind the emblem. Does anyone have suggestions? I was thinking that I could use AS to rearrange the layers but thought I might be making something fairly simple into a mess. I am fairly new to this so it would help if you talked to me like I am 5.
Thanks for any time, help and knowledge,
Va

 

[wangbar]

You could create one more layer - a mask layer.

This would go directly above the buttons layer and contain the shape of the emblem but in "negative" (ie the shape of the emblem will be transparent and the rest of the stage area on that layer would be filled). Once the mask is applied (right click on the layer in the timeline window and chose "mask&quot and properly aligned over the emblem on the stage to buttons will appear to come form behind the emblem even though they are in a layer above it.

 

[ironyx]

I'll give it a try!
Thanks,
Va.

 

[ironyx]

Okay, I don't understand. With the mask layer of the emblem, it just hides everything but the emblem.

The problem is, the paths go out a ways past the edge of the emblem, and as each button follows the path as it gets around a curve, the next button starts. Otherwise on the time line I could just have another copy of the emblem but only have it last a couple of frames. I was thinking of making a layer above each button layer, but then I would have to have that graphic for each layer. It's not hard but I think it slows the processing time too much. I don't want to make it too cumbersome.
Am I misunderstanding you? I could very well be, but as I started, it didn't make sense in my little flash.

 

[wangbar]

Do you have the mask layer directly above the buttons layers only? The buttons' layer icons should indent to show they are masked (just move them around until they're all under the mask layer - it should look quite different from the normal layers in your timeline).