In this tutorial you are going to learn how to apply find edges effect to an image using Fireworks. The Find Edges filter converts image to a line art by identifying the color transitions in the images and changing them to lines. The image below shows how we have converted the image to a line drawing.

Software Required

Adobe Fireworks (Macromedia Fireworks prior to version 8). Please check out the compatible versions listed in the box below. Since this tutorial covers an inbuild core function of fireworks to convert an image to line art, using mostly any version of these software should be fine. If you are using the CS4 version of these software please read Pencil Drawing with Adobe Fireworks CS4.

Compatible Versions of Fireworks for this Tutorial

Fireworks MX | Fireworks MX 2004 | Fireworks 8 | Adobe Fireworks CS3
Note: Instructions remain same across all versions listed above, though some visual interface images might differ. Adobe Fireworks CS4 users: Read the CS4 version of this free web design tutorial - Pencil Drawing with Adobe Fireworks CS4.

Prerequisite Knowledge

This tutorial teaches you how to convert your image to line art using Fireworks and thus assumes you are familiar with some design software, even if you are new to Adobe Fireworks. However be assured that our detailed instructions can be followed by even a total novice.

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Convert an image to line art with Adobe Fireworks CS3 or below

Follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Open a new document (File >> New or (Ctrl + N)) with the dimensions of 350x220 pixels in Fireworks. Import an image (Ctrl + R) you would like to edit. See the example given below:

Step 2: Select the image, on the bottom right side of the Properties window, you will find Filters. Click over the + symbol you will get a pop-up menu with the filters and place your mouse over Other and click Find Edges from the pop-up menu. Now the image will appear as black with line art.

Step 3: Then we need to invert the picture using the Invert filter, so again click over the + symbol you will get a pop-menu, and point to Adjust Color and click Invert from the pop-up menu. The Invert will as below:

Step 4: Since we are trying for a line art, we need to remove the color, so again click over the + symbol you will get a pop-menu, and point to Other and click Convert to Alpha from the pop-up menu.

The image becomes more beautiful, by adjoining them with a frame. You can make special effects by adding good-looking frames using Adobe Fireworks.
Now we are going to create a picture frame. Click on image, go to Commands >> Creative >> Add Picture Frame (The Commands menu is displayed on the top of the menu bar). Now the Add Picture Frame pop-up window will appear, choose the pattern and click Ok. You can adjust the handles appears on or near the object by clicking the Frame layer in the Layers Panel.
Listed below are some of the examples and try out the various patterns:

Congratulations! You have now learnt how to convert your image to line art and add picture frame effect to your image.

We would love to hear your comments and any suggestions on future tutorials we can add to this section. Thanks!

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