# Mask manipulation

**URL:** <https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mask-manipulation/3001>\
**Category:** flash\
**Created:** [February 15, 2002, 9:25pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mask-manipulation/3001 "2002-02-15T21:25:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/kirupa/original/3X/6/2/621e5c11736f46532526e61be85940af4230f3e5.png) [@system](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [February 15, 2002, 9:25pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mask-manipulation/3001/1 "2002-02-15T21:25:45Z")

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I can’t find a solution to my problem. Here it is:

I have a maze-like background that needs to stay put. I have a block/character that will move through the maze. I want to make a masked area around the block so that the user can only see that area and the rest is blacked out. As the user moves more of the maze will be displayed. I am using the keyboard to move the block.

How do I move the masked area and the block around the maze without moving the maze or revealing any more than I need to?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. I’m fairly new to this flash thing so I greatly appreciate being pointed in the right direction at least.

psuedo

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**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/kirupa/original/3X/6/2/621e5c11736f46532526e61be85940af4230f3e5.png) [@system](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [February 15, 2002, 9:43pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mask-manipulation/3001/2 "2002-02-15T21:43:44Z")

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hmm… well I wouldn’t use a mask layer, if that’s the way you’re going.

You could, on a new layer, above the others, create a large square of fill. Then, in the middle of the fill, create a hole, so to speak. Then selecting the fill, you can make it a movie clip, and make it move, according to where the block is.

I’ll see if I can come up with something a little more descriptive for you.

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**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/kirupa/original/3X/6/2/621e5c11736f46532526e61be85940af4230f3e5.png) [@system](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [February 18, 2002, 1:27am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/mask-manipulation/3001/3 "2002-02-18T01:27:31Z")

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Thanks – I sort of understand where you’re going with that. I’m going to try that. I really appreciate the help because I was at a complete loss.

psuedo