Vector graphics in Flash are great. And whenever I have the choice, I’ll choose vector over bitmap any day. But at some point vectors aren’t a choice and you’ll have to fill your library with dirty bitmap 1,2, etc.’s

If you ever struggled like me with implementing transparent images and their rigged borders when animating over vector graphics, you’ll love this quick and easy tip. Export your Bitmaps as PNG images. It can increase performance big time too.

PNG has much better alpha channel support in flash. No more ‘Matte’ compromises or rigged borders, but perfect blending of bitmap images in your other flash content. Read on to see the difference for yourself.

Take a look at two purple bitmapped items in an other wise completely vector orientated flash movie. (the gradients are vectors also!).

The bottom bitmap is GIF, the top is PNG. The size factor is almost no difference between the two formats….. Nice ain’t it :)