Vectoring in on bitmaps with Fireworks

Introduction
The Fireworks Tool panel
Bitmap fills: Filling vector shapes with bitmapped patterns
Paste As Mask: Quick techniques for distressing type
The Combine Paths function and the secret Path panel
Conclusion

The Fireworks Tool panel

Take a look at the Tool panel for Fireworks (Window > Tools). You’ll see that the tools are divided into several types. You’ll probably recognize most of these tool icons from working with other software. This tool panel is your “Swiss Army Knife,” with any tool you need a click away. Grab a paint-brush tool from the bitmap tools section of the panel and create a paint smudge. Then grab the Bezier pen tool, or one of the many shape tools (use the little arrow next to the currently selected shape tool to reveal the shape choices) and add a vector graphic. Change the stacking order in the layers panel (Window > Layers). Notice how the properties of selected tools and graphics appear in the properties inspector (Window > Properties). You can use the color options in either the properties inspector or the tool panel to change your color choices. No steep learning curve here.

Vectoring in on bitmaps with Fireworks

Table of Contents

The Fireworks Tool panel