Question

Without using BitmapData.draw(); is it possible to stop the display list from rendering, and perform a render when I see fit (whether that is of the entire display list or individual DisplayObjects).

If not, what is the best method to achieve this (inclusive of the option where I use BitmapData.draw() to render DisplayObjects that haven’t been added to the stage)?

Answer 1

You can force a render after a mouse/keyboard event using e.updateAfterEvent(), but you cannot prevent the display list from redrawing to screen. Your best bet would be :

1. Add all your objects into one holder Sprite, which is off the stage display list.
2. Add a Bitmap and associated BitmapData to the stage.
3. Everytime you want to ‘force’ a render simply draw() the holder onto the BitmapData and it will be rasterized by the exact same renderer that typically operates. Just that you get more control over the rasterizing settings.

Try the following, or see this for more info:

function snapClip( clip:DisplayObject ):BitmapData
{
   var bounds:Rectangle = clip.getBounds( clip );
   var bitmap:BitmapData = new BitmapData( int( bounds.width + 0.5 ), int( bounds.height + 0.5 ), true, 0 );
   bitmap.draw( clip, new Matrix(1,0,0,1,-bounds.x,-bounds.y) );
   return bitmap;
}