In this tutorial you are going to learn how to paste any graphic (image or vector) inside a vector shape using Fireworks. Paste inside is a smart tiny effect that you can use to flavor your images up a spot, and give more professional look. The image below shows how we have pasted an image inside a vector shape.

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 paste any graphic inside a vector, using mostly any version of these software should be fine. If you are using the CS4 version of these software please read Paste Inside Effect 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 - Paste Inside Effect with Adobe Fireworks CS4.

Prerequisite Knowledge

This tutorial teaches you how to paste any graphic inside a vector shape 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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Paste any graphic inside a vector shape with Adobe Fireworks CS3 or below

Follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Open Fireworks and create a new file of size 350x350 pixels.
Step 2: Draw a circle with the dimensions of 163x163 pixels using Ellipse Tool . Then, type any text (as you like) using the Text Tool . Now select both circle and text, go to Text >> Attach to Path (Ctrl+Shift+Y). Set the Text offset as -130, so that the text will appear on the top of the circle. Text offset is displayed under the properties panel. You can adjust the text offset values to place the text within the path. Look at the image below that will show how the text is attached to path:

(Click for the Text Path tutorial)

Step 3: Again draw another circle with the dimensions of 138x138 pixels. Keep the circle closer to the text and import any image (as you like). Now scale the image using Scale Tool . (Don’t use the center point to scale the image; otherwise the image will be stretched. Once you scaled the image, further you should not enlarge the image. If you enlarge the image from smaller one to larger, the image will be pixelated).
Step 4: You need to paste the image inside the circle. Click and cut the image. Then, select the circle and press Ctrl+Shift+V to paste inside the circle. Now the image is pasted inside the circle. The image will look as below:

Step 5: Draw another circle over the image with the dimensions of 145x145 pixels set the Fill Color as #003300 and Stroke Color as none. Since the circle should appear behind the image, go to Modify >> Arrange >> Send to Back (Ctrl+Shift+Down arrow). To apply shadow effect, click the circle. Now on the right side of the properties window, you will find filters, click over the + symbol and choose Drop Shadow from Shadow and Glow. Click on the tiny blue circle with "i" next to the Drop Shadow filter (Edit and arrange live filters button) and set the following values for the filter: Opacity – 30%, Softness – 4, Angle – 315, Distance – 3, Color - #000000. After applying the drop shadow the overall look will be stunning.

Congratulations! You have now learnt how to paste any graphic inside a vector shape.

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

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