What is Fireworks?
Fireworks, by Macromedia, is software for creating graphics on the web. Fireworks combines three
tools into one package. It is a bitmap editor, a vector editor, and a JavaScript generator
for buttons and rollovers. With Fireworks you can edit bitmap and vector graphics for the web in
one application.
Using Fireworks tools, you can import pictures as well as apply level and curve adjustments. Do you
need to draw graphics or generate rollovers? It's easy with Fireworks. You can even create JavaScript
buttons and animations effects!
Everything in Fireworks is treated as an object. Fireworks has three main object types; vector, bitmap
and text. Editing objects in Fireworks is a snap because Fireworks identifies the object type and automatically
puts you in the proper edit mode for each of the three object types. Fireworks lets you export images,
HTML code and JavaScript to the web with ease. It's not surprising that PC Magazine's Editor's Choice Award
for best graphics software was given to Fireworks!
With Fireworks MX you can switch between bitmap and vector editing without worrying about which mode you’re in and define pop-up menu spacing, borders, color shading and position. With the Property Inspector, you can now quickly inspect and change object properties—such as stroke, fill, and effect—in one centralized location. Use the Flash MX Quick Export button to export to supported file formats and HTML styles or launch other Macromedia applications with a single click in the document window. Use the new Data-driven Graphics Wizard to decrease time spent on repetitive graphics creation, and connect graphics files with XML files to automatically generate graphics.
With Fireworks MX you can instantly build a new Fireworks MX source file by pointing to any HTML file containing a table with image slices. Macromedia JavaScript Behaviors (such as image rollovers and pop-up menus) are imported and attached to the appropriate slices. You can create and execute complex commands to extend and automate Fireworks MX. Or, open, edit, and export Adobe Photoshop graphics while retaining layers, masks, and text properties. Fireworks MX will also integrate new code into the existing HTML file without losing changes that have been added manually. Fianlly, ensure that sites are up-to-date with the latest standards in HTML design by configuring Fireworks MX to generate XHTML-compliant code. Edit XHTML round-trip between Fireworks MX and Dreamweaver MX.
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Fireworks Training Courses
The following Fireworks training courses are available from Blue Star Learning...
FW8-1 - Fireworks 8: Basic
FW8-2 - Fireworks 8: Advanced
FW8FT - Fireworks 8: Fast Track