Re: FLASH: How do they do that? -spheres

[Marc Hoffman]

At 08:43 AM 3/5/99 -0500, you wrote:

>I imagine that most spheres you have seen are done using gradient fills.

>Some of them could be imported bitmaps from a 3D proggie, but it would

>defeat the pupose of using flash in terms of size.  Well used gradients and

>shadows can achieve startlingly good looking 3d objects.  You can also use

>fades to alpha on top of other shapes to make shading effects.

>


It's important to learn how to use the Transform Fill tool.  It's the

option that is normally at the bottom right of the toolbox when Bucket is

selected.  With linear gradient fills, it allows you to drag the center of

the fill, determine the width of the gradient's range, and rotate the

orientation.  With radial gradient fills, it allows you to drag the center,

squeeze the gradient from circular to eliptical, vary the diameter, and

rotate the elipse.


A convincing sphere usually uses a 2-tone radial gradient maintained in its

circular shape and sized to fit the sphere. Make the center color the

lighter one and drag the gradient center to wherever you want the

highlight.  Remember to maintain a consistent sense of light source in your

scenarios, it will make things a lot more convincing.



Marc Hoffman

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