SKILL LEVEL: VARIABLE

• Creating an alphaMod varies in skill level depending on what you are trying to achieve. You will need to be knowledgeable with actionScript, however.

Creating your first alphaMod

Start with the "a-base.fla" file, included in the flare[x] download. alphaMods are not all that difficult to use. The general premise for using alphaMods is a two frame actionScript loop that mathematically calculates a new value for a lensFlare's alpha. The simplest example would be _parent:setAlpha(100); , which would be written in the actions on frame 7.

When creating an alphaMod, if you need to initialise any variables it is recommended that you add them to the code on frame 1. The correct frames to adjust are shown below.

Variables that flare[x] can supply you with
flare[x] alphaMods are not completely on their own. Some useful variables that flare[x] can supply for you, in direct relation to the alphaMod, are:

_parent:screenWidth - The width of the stage
_parent:screenHeight - The height of the stage
_parent:screenWidthHalf - Half the width of the stage
_parent:screenHeightHalf - Half the height of the stage
_parent:dragXdiff - The X difference between the flareDrag and the centre of the stage
_parent:dragYdiff - The Y difference between the flareDrag and the centre of the stage
_parent._parent.flareDrag - The flareDrag object. Whilst not a variable, it is useful with the getProperty function

Apart from that, all you need to do is figure out your formula, code it in and off you go! Remember to load a flare with the second variable set to True if you want an alphaMod to load before the flare will be displayed. If you are unsure of how to begin, take a look at the sample alphaMods included with flare[x].

Name your completed file as you like, but it must begin with "a-". For example, "a-hold-100.swf".