_parent property

_parent.property
_parent._parent.property

Specifies or returns a reference to the movie clip or object that contains the current movie clip or object. The current object is the object containing the ActionScript code that references _parent. Use _parent to specify a relative path to movie clips or objects that are above the current movie clip or object.

Availability: ActionScript 1.0; Flash Player 5

Example

In the following example, there is a movie clip on the Stage with the instance name square_mc. Within that movie clip is another movie clip with an instance name circle_mc. The following ActionScript lets you modify the circle_mc parent instance (which is square_mc) when the circle is clicked. When you are working with relative addressing (using _parent instead of _root), it might be easier to use the Insert Target Path button in the Actions panel at first.

this.square_mc.circle_mc.onRelease = function() {
 this._parent._alpha -= 5;
};

_parent property

Example

See also