Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004 Tips and Tricks

Tool(s) Required:

Graphics Editor: Fireworks 4 or above
Recommended: Adobe Fireworks CS3

Macromedia Fireworks is a fantastic graphic design tool. The latest version released by Macromedia - Fireworks MX 2004 is just what you need if you are interested in graphics and web designing.

Some cool tips that you could use:

Press the Alt key and, the down arrow once or drag, to duplicate a graphic easily.
When using the vector shapes and auto shapes in Fireworks MX, you can modify the shape's properties uniformly by dragging the yellow points (handles).
Similarly, the properties of individual corner points in the shape can be modified by keeping the Alt key pressed and then dragging the corresponding point.
Try the in-built graphic behaviors that come with Fireworks: Rollover Buttons or Images and Advanced Rollovers (Swap Images).
Set the Transparency of Images or Shapes so that the background shows through.
Try the various effects given in the Effect Panel of the Properties Window. They include the popular Inner/Outer Bevel, Drop Shadow and Glow.
Use Ctrl+Shift+v to paste a graphic inside any vector shape.
Use Curves to give your designs a fun look.
Use Image Feathering to give edited photos a professional look.
We cannot use bitmap tools to vector objects directly. If you want to use,convert vector to bitmap. Easy short cut is Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Z (Flatten image).
If you want to break a text, use the key Ctrl+Shift+P (text will be in grouped objects) and press Ctrl+Shift+G (to un group the objects).
Always keep undo steps to 200(go to Edit >> Preferences >> General tab >> Undo Steps:200).
Apply gradient colors to your text using masking effects look more attractive.
When you resize any vector or bitmap images , use Shift for equal proportion of dimensions.

This page is part of the SmartWebby's Free Web Design Guide, a collection of free web design tutorials, articles, tips and guidelines on effective web site design. From web design tips and ideas to HTML, CSS Styles, Fireworks and Dreamweaver you'll find all you need to know about web design right here!

SmartWebby.com provides top-quality web design & web programming services globally. Since January 2001, we have successfully built more than 200 professional web sites for clients from all over the world (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Greece, Denmark, Singapore, etc.). By creating highly professional W3C Standard compliant and load-time optimized websites at extremely affordable prices, we leave our competition far behind in terms of "value for money". We specialize in Rapid Web Design using Adobe Tools, ASP.net/ASP/PHP web programming, W3C Standard compliant CSS & HTML programming, high quality Flash Animation and Interactive Flash Programming. No matter what your requirements are, our team is capable of delivering a website that's over & above your expectations. Check out our popular Web Design Packages today!

Absolutely FREE Web Templates
Check out these quality free web templates and download them without any registration or sign-up!

FREE Flash Actionscript & Animation Guide
Learn Flash the easy way using these easy-to-follow tutorials! Get your basics right or learn advanced flash actionscript!

Quality Dreamweaver Templates
Professional quality dreamweaver templates in over 20 categories, starting at just $9.95! Instant download & easy customization