Course Workbook
Fireworks CS6
Class Files CD included (works on Mac & PC)
ISBN: 978-1-934624-87-6
WHY OUR BOOKS ARE UNIQUE
Our books are packed with step-by-step exercises that walk you through projects. You’ll learn by doing exercises, not reading long explanations commonly found in user manuals. The goal is to give you hands-on practice with the program, getting you started quickly with the things that are most important for real life work. Our books are not a replacement for the manual, but manuals aren’t how you learn an app!
OUR GUARANTEE
Not satisfied? Mail the book back to us within 30 days and we’ll refund the full price including shipping! You only pay for the shipping back to us.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT YOU LEARN
-
Mocking up webpages in Fireworks is fast and easy.
-
You can even mockup multiple pages in a single file.
-
Slicing in Fireworks is so fast it leaves Photoshop in the dust.
-
Learn how to properly optimize graphics for the web.
-
Use states to create elegant rollovers.
-
Easily create animated GIFs that work everywhere,
including iPhones and iPads.
Table of Contents
We break the book down into 3 hour class sessions. If you are doing the exercises on your own (not in a class), you can expect to take around 3 hours per session.
Section 1
Drawing Tools and Text
Topics
- Drawing Basic Vector Shapes
- Adding Filters such as Drop Shadows
- Importing Adobe Illustrator Files
- Styling Text
- Controlling Anti-Aliasing on Text
Symbols and Photos
Topics
- Creating Graphic Symbols
- Editing Symbols
- Symbol Tweening (Fireworks Creates “In Between” Steps)
- Using Symbols to Protect Photos from Image Degradation
Slicing
Topics
- Having Fireworks Automatically Create Slices
- Manually Drawing Slices
- Naming Slices
Section 2
Optimizing Graphics for the Web
Topics
- Optimizing Slices as GIF, PNG or JPEG
- Reducing File size (for Quick Download)
Putting It Together In Dreamweaver
Topics
- Assembling the Final Webpage with Graphics Made in Fireworks
- Importing Images
- Setting Background Images
Button Symbols
Topics
- Creating Buttons
- Using 1 Button for the Entire Navbar
- Editing Buttons
- Making Rollovers
- Gradient Masking (Fade Out)
Section 3
Multiple Page Website Mock-Up
Topics
- Creating Multiple Pages within a Single Fireworks File
- Creating and Editing a Master Page
- Previewing and Exporting Multiple Pages
More on Drawing Tools
Topics
- Rounded Corners
- Gradient Backgrounds
Masking and Text Wrapping
Topics
- Masking
- Glass-like Reflections
- Wrapping Text Around Objects
Creating Rollovers (Using States)
Topics
- Creating Rollovers
- Slicing a More Complicated Page
Section 4
Slicing and Optimizing the Fronion Website
Topics
- Drawing Slices
- Optimizing Slices as GIF, PNG, or JPEG
Rounded Corners & 9-Slicing
Topics
- Creating & Slicing Rounded Corner Rectangles
- Resize Selected Objects Command
- 9-Slice Scale Tool
- Symbols and 9-Slicing
Exporting States to Files (Batch Processing)
Topics
- Creating Consistent Thumbnail Images
- Resizing using Symbols
Creating an Animated Banner
Topics
- Creating an Animated GIF
- Using States for Animation
- Optimizing for Banner Ad File Size
Bonus Exercises
Creating Sprite Graphics
Topics
- Exporting CSS Sprites
Bitmap Editing
Topics
- Editing Bitmap (Pixel-Based) Art
- Adding Drop Shadows
- Sharpening
- Cloning with the Rubber Stamp tool
Creating an Image Map
Topics
- Creating an Image Map (Clickable Areas Within an Image)
- Automatically Converting Vector Art into Hotspots
- Editing Hotspots
- Importing into Dreamweaver
Mocking Up a Form with Provided Symbols
Topics
- Designing Forms
- Using the Common Library
- 9-Slicing
“Sliding Doors” Style Border Slicing
Topics
- Slicing Drop Shadows
- Slicing for Sliding Doors
Challenge: Building an Animated Ad Banner
Topics
- In this challenge you look at a final animated GIF, and then recreate the animation with prepared artwork.