Flash: Virtual Paper Doll

Today we are going to be building "draggable" movie clips that will make a "Paper Doll" or "Mr. Potato Head" sort of thing.  The ActionScript isn't that difficult, but it is very time-consuming so I am putting up a template that we can use to get started.

• Flash Paper Doll

I am also attaching a paper doll that I built from the template above.  It has a background music track, three extra models, and more.  Download the source file here.  You can also play with the SWF file here. To get the model and begin the clothing, I Googled "Fashion Paper Dolls" and clicked on images.  I chose to use this image:

Here are some paper dolls which match so you can share clothing and accessories:

 Here is an example of another set of paper dolls which let you share most clothing/accessories:

Also, this is another example of a more more complex "Paper Doll": [Click]

Once you have the template downloaded, either create your own model and clothing or look for good examples of paper dolls online.

Here are some other examples of paper dolls with different looks, styles and themes:

Note:  You might be surprised to find that there are paper dolls for specific genres or subjects as well.  For example, a search (for something like Edward Scissorhands, Harry Potter, Thor, True Blood, Star Trek, Star Wars, Arrested Development, etc.) will yield results such as the following:

If you can't find the right paper doll, you can always make some of your own design.  For example, these [Doctor Who and Monster High] were drawn by hand and scanned:

Have fun!