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Using backdrops and overlays
A backdrop is a bitmap image of a 2D cast member, such as a vector shape or text, that remains in the background of a 3D world as a texture at all times, regardless of camera position. Because a 3D world, by default, displays direct-to-Stage, the backdrop displays direct-to-Stage along with the world. You can use Lingo to make an image object from the cast member designated as the backdrop and create the backdrop.
Similarly, an overlay is a bitmap image of a 2D cast member that also displays direct-to-Stage in a 3D world. The overlay, however, always remains in the foreground of the world.
You can use these cast member types to make image objects for use as backdrops and overlays: bitmaps, vector shapes, Flash SWF files, and text.
Once a bitmap is inserted into a 3D world as a texture, you can use Lingo to pass the value into the backdrop or overlay property of a camera. A camera can include a list of several different backdrops and overlays, and you can specify where a backdrop or overlay appears on the list. You can then use Lingo to designate when a backdrop or overlay appears in the 3D world.
This article and the accompanying sample movie, Overlays_and_backdrops.dir, illustrate how to create both a backdrop and an overlay. To download the movie, click the link at the beginning of this article.
- The authoring process
- Attaching the Backdrop behavior
- Examining the backdrop Lingo
- Attaching the Overlay behavior
- Overlay Lingo in the sample movie
- Creating your own backdrop or overlay
- Summary
Download the Windows source file overlays_backdrop.zip (16K)
Download the Macintosh source file overlays_backdrop.sea.hqx (20K)
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Stephanie Gowin
Stephanie Gowin is a senior instructional designer for Macromedia.
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05/04/01 |
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3D, overlay, backdrop, texture, camera |
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