Recipe 6.7. Using Bitmaps with Transparency

Problem

You want to import a bitmap into Flash, but you want to retain its transparency.

Solution

Use a GIF or PNG.

Discussion

Flash can import bitmaps and retain transparency for the images. However, you have to make sure that the file you are importing actually has transparency information. The two formats capable of having transparency information that Flash can import are GIF and PNG. GIF is a lossless format best suited for content with no gradients and few colors. PNG is a lossless format, meaning that you should use this format if your bitmap contains gradient transparencies.