Flash: XML Text Content Hidden Under Masks

August 2, 2007 at 12:41 am

This is the first time I’ve come across this problem, so I thought I should blog about it since I found it rather interesting.

Problem: When I embed a external swf with text content that is loaded through an XML file, and then put a mask over it, the text just doesn’t appear in the text field. Everything else such as the graphics and movie clips work loaded fine. When I take off the mask the text will load fine in the text field.. how weird.

However, the solution was very simple: just embed the font!

Here’s the explanation I found on actionscript.org forum:

“Flash has a limitation where TextFields cannot be rotated or have their alpha values changed (including masking) if you’re using the system fonts. By embedding the font, Flash Player is able to use the raw vector data just like any shape.” -Dr. Zeus

Thanks! I guess I really do learn something new everyday.

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