Work with multiple objects

1
Unit Lessons
OVERVIEW

• Work with multiple objects
• Modify color in objects
• Apply effects to objects and text
• Apply a style to objects

2
Working with Objects
INTRODUCTION

• Fireworks provides many tools for modifying
  objects
• Objects can be combined with others to become new
  shapes
• You can apply fills, strokes and effects to
  objects using the Property inspector

3
Working with Objects
LESSON 1

• Objects can be joined using the Group command
• Group objects are treated as one unit
• Ungrouped objects maintain their original
  appearance

4
Combine Paths Options
LESSON 1

• Fireworks offers six ways to the paths of two or
  more vector objects
• Join
• Split
• Union
• Intersect
• Punch
• Crop

5
Combine Paths Options
LESSON 1

• Join
• Combines the paths of two or more objects to
  create a single merged object
• Includes all points on both paths
• Overlapping area appears empty
• Can be used to join selected end points of open
  paths

6
Combine Paths Options
LESSON 1

• Split
• Splits the path of two or more objects that had
  been combined using the Join command
• Union
• Creates a path that is the sum total of all
  selected areas

7
Combine Paths Options
LESSON 1

• Intersect
• Creates an object by eliminating everything
  except the overlapping areas of the selected
  objects
• Punch
• The topmost object carves its shape through all
  lower selected objects
• Crop
• The topmost path removes the areas of the paths
  beneath it

8
Arrange Commands
LESSON 1

• Arrange commands change the location of objects
  on the canvas
• Bring to Front
• Bring Forward
• Send Backward
• Send to Back

9
Align Commands
LESSON 1

• Align commands allow you to align objects in
  relation to each other by their sides or centers
• You can also distribute objects vertically and
  horizontally using the Align command
• Align options are available in the Modify menu or
  Align panel

10
Modifying Objects
LESSON 2

• Vector objects can be modified by
• Applying fill color, gradients and patterns
• Changing stroke color, texture, type of edge,
  opacity and blend mode

11
Gradients
LESSON 2

• Gradients are two or more colors that blend into
  each other in a fixed design
• Gradient options are found in Property inspector
• Fireworks includes preset gradients
• Gradients can be edited with new colors

12
Patterns
LESSON 2

• Patterns are chosen from the Fill category list
  arrow
• There are many preset pattern fills
• Pattern fills can be modified
• Patterns can be previewed in the Property
  inspector
• You can create a custom pattern using a bitmap
  file of your own

13
Edges and Textures
LESSON 2

• Edges refer to the edge of a fill applied to a
  vector object
• The type of edge (hard, soft or feather) make it
  appear to blend or fade into the background

14
Edges and Textures
LESSON 2

• Textures can be applied to fills to create a
  tactile illusion
• Custom textures can be created from bitmap files

15
Working with Effects
LESSON 3

• Effects are like filters that add the illusion of
  depth and dimension to objects
• Examples of effects include drop shadows, blurs,
  and glows
• Effects are found in the Property inspector

16
Working with Effects
LESSON 3

• Multiple effects can be applied to objects
• The Edit and arrange effects list in the Property
  inspector lets you
• Change effect settings
• Temporarily hide an effect
• Rearrange order of effects
• Adjust opacity of effects

17
Working with Effects
LESSON 3

• Rearranging the order of effects allows you to
  see different versions of the same graphic

Check mark indicates effect is active
18
Understanding Filters
LESSON 3

• Filters are very similar to effects
• Found under Filters menu
• Are not listed in Edit and arrange effects list
  in Property inspector
• Cannot be temporarily hidden or rearranged

19
Understanding Opacity
LESSON 3

• Opacity is the amount that an object is opaque or
  transparent
• Completely opaque 100 opacity
• Completely transparent 0 opacity
• Opacity settings are found in Layers panel and
  Effects section of Property inspector

20
Working with Styles
LESSON 4

• Styles are preset attributes that can be applied
  to text and objects
• Style attributes include
• color
• texture
• type of edge
• Preset styles are found in the Styles panel

21
Working with Styles
LESSON 4

• Styles can be renamed and edited
• The Edit Styles dialog box allows you to control
  which attributes the style should apply
• Example Deselect the Font and Text Size check
  boxes to maintain the original font style and size

22
Working with Styles
LESSON 4

• You can create your own custom styles and add
  them to they Styles panel
• Create an object and apply formatting to it
• Select object
• Click New Style button in Styles panel

23
Working with Styles
LESSON 4

• Custom styles appear at the bottom of the Styles
  panel

Custom style named Metallic Glow
24
Using Plug-ins
LESSON 4

• Plug-ins are mini applications that add features
  or enhancements to other software applications
• Eye Candy 4000 LE made from Alien Skin products
  is an example of a plug-in

25
Using Plug-ins
LESSON 4

• Adobe Photoshop plug-ins are accessible in
  Fireworks
• Open Fireworks Preferences dialog box
• Click Folders tab to access folders containing
  Photoshop plug-ins
• Click Import tab to determine how Fireworks
  translates layers and text