Fireworks
3.0
Macintosh and Windows
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Fireworks |
Fireworks
3.0 is a program used to create and edit graphics and animation.
Fireworks can be used in conjunction with Dreamweaver to create graphics for
webpage design.
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For Beginners
This page provides information about how to get started using Fireworks, including where to download the software, how to open a new image, and how to edit an image.
Basic Skills
This page provides information on how to use the basic functions of Fireworks, including how to use toolbars and windows, creating and modifying graphics, and saving and exporting graphics. This page will teach you the skills essential to creating graphics in Fireworks.
Advanced Skills
This page provides information on the more advanced features of Fireworks. This includes how to make animations, webpage buttons, and other dynamic features of Fireworks not covered in the Basic Skills page.
Using with Dreamweaver
This page provides information on how to use Fireworks in conjunction with Dreamweaver to create graphics for web pages. This includes information on how to import Fireworks graphics into Dreamweaver, where to save files for a webpage, and other tips on using Fireworks for web graphic design.
Web Resources
This page provides web resources where you can go for further information about using Fireworks including links to Wellesley pages, Macromedia pages and outside webpages.
Fireworks 3 is no longer found on the public computers. It has been replaced with a newer version - Fireworks MX. Those who have already installed Fireworks 3 on office or dorm computers may continue to use it for now.
If you would like to install Fireworks MX, please do so, however the Wellesley documentation specific to that version has not yet been completed. Please use the Fireworks MX help files and tutorials.
Fireworks MX installation instructions for Macintosh
Fireworks MX installation instructions for Windows
If you are using a Windows computer, you can launch Fireworks by going to the Start Menu > Programs > Macromedia Fireworks 3 > Fireworks 3. If you are using a Mac, you can launch Fireworks by going to the Apple Menu > Fireworks 3.
When you open a new document in Fireworks, there is a Toolbox on the left side of the window. The image below is of the toolbar and what each icon represents. In the Basic Skills section, you will learn how to use some of these tools.
Open Fireworks and go to the File menu. Choose New. A window will appear titled New Document.
Under Canvas Size, you will enter a value for the height and width of your image. Choose whether you would like to enter the height and width in Pixels, Inches, or Centimeters by using the pull-down menu on the right. To change the width and height of your image, highlight the width value and enter the value you would like. Do the same for the height value. This value can be modified later by going to Modify > Canvas Size.
Set the Resolution to 72 Pixels/Inch.
Under Canvas Color select the color you would like for your canvas. This can be changed later by going to Modify > Canvas Color.
Click OK and a new document will appear on the screen.
To open an existing file, launch fireworks. From the File menu select Open. Find your file and click Open. Once the file is open, you can edit it according to the instructions on the Basic Skills page.
To save your file:
- From the File menu, select Save.
- In the Save as window, type the name you wish to assign to your document.
- If you are saving the files for use on a webpage, make sure you save them to a folder containing all of the files for that webpage.
To export your file:
Because Fireworks saves your files as Fireworks files (.png), it is necessary to convert them to standard image files by exporting them so that they can be opened by programs other than Fireworks.
- From the File menu, select Export Preview.
- When a message shows up about redraw speed, make sure to check the box next to Don't show again and press OK.
- Under Format select the type of format you would like for your image (probably either JPEG or GIF).
- Click Export.
- In the Export window choose where you would like to save the file and under File Name type in a name for your file.
- If you are using a Windows computer, click Save. If you are using a Mac, click Export.
On a Windows computer, from the File menu select Exit. On a Macintosh, from the File menu select Quit.
With Fireworks
- In Fireworks, from the Fireworks Help menu, select Using Fireworks. This will take you to the Fireworks help webpage.
- Faculty and Staff can call the HelpDesk for support at x3333
- Students can visit a Cluster Consultant or a Computing FirstAid Consultant
- Post to Computing Questions
More Web Resources
A longer list of resources is available in the CWIS Providers Handbook page.
