MACROMEDIA FLASH 8-USING FLASH Use Manual page 233

Creating a skewed drop shadow
Use the Drop Shadow filter's Hide object option to create a more realistic look by skewing the
shadow of an object. To achieve this effect, you need to create a duplicate movie clip, button,
or text object, apply a drop shadow to the duplicate, and use the Free Transform tool to skew
the duplicate object's shadow.
Skewing the Drop Shadow filter to create a more realistic looking shadow.
To create a skewed drop shadow:
1.
Select the movie clip or text object whose shadow you want to skew.
2.
Duplicate (select Edit > Duplicate) the source movie clip or text object.
3. Select the duplicated object, and skew it using the Free Transform tool (Modify >
Transform > Rotate and Skew).
4. Apply the Drop Shadow filter to the duplicated movie clip or text object, and select the
Hide Object check box. The duplicated object is hidden from view, leaving only the
skewed shadow.
5.
Adjust both the Drop Shadow filter settings and the angle of the skewed drop shadow until
you achieve the look you want.
Applying a blur
The Blur filter softens the edges and details of objects. Applying a blur to an object can make
it appear as if it is behind other objects, or make an object appear to be in motion.
Text with the Blur filter applied.
To apply a blur to an object:
1. Select a movie clip or text object that you want to apply a blur to.
2.
Select the Filters tab in the Property inspector.
3.
Click the Add Filter (+) button and select Blur from the pop-up menu.
Applying filters (Flash Professional only) 233