Adobe Fireworks is a powerful web design and prototyping tool that provides robust features to create, edit, and optimize your artwork for delivery in a wide variety of file formats. This Design Learning Guide for Fireworks covers everything you need to know to import, scale, align, edit, slice, and export high-quality graphic files.

Read how the new integration features allow you to work seamlessly with the other tools in Adobe Creative Suite, facilitating a smooth workflow with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Adobe Flash. Learn how Live Filters make it easy to add graphic effects to vector and bitmap objects. Find out how to design web layouts faster than ever before using specialized tools, such as 9-slice scaling, tooltips, and Smart Guides. Use the updated Path panel's vector manipulation tools to combine, alter, extrude, and blend paths.

Note: This learning guide introduces core concepts of Fireworks, and provides you with tools for developing your skills. Always consult Fireworks Help first when learning to use new features in Fireworks.

Explore the sections below to dive into whatever topic interests you.

Opening and importing bitmap images

Bring in bitmap images from other programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

Saving and exporting files

Use best practices to archive and generate assets for your projects.

Selecting and editing bitmap images

Select, scale, crop, and apply Live Filters to bitmap images.

Using Smart Guides and tooltips for precise positioning and layout

Precisely and accurately control the placement of objects in a Fireworks document.

Scaling objects without distortion with 9-slice scaling

Resize vector content intelligently while maintaining its proportions with 9-slice scaling.

Working with layers

Organize your assets, change the stacking order, and set the visibility, opacity, and blending modes with the Layers panel.

Using the Path panel

Create complex, creative shapes using the new vector manipulation tools.

Optimizing files for multiple exports

Compare the built-in preset options and learn strategies for outputting image files with the Optimize panel.

Where to go from here

There are many different ways you can use Fireworks in your design projects: create the initial design; generate PDF files for review; add JavaScript interactivity; make animations; create assets for desktop, mobile, or web applications; and develop iterative prototypes. Here are some resources to help you learn more:

Creating simple interactive content using Fireworks, Flash, and Dreamweaver: Explore the Creative Suite product workflow and learn the fundamentals of creating mockups and interactive content.
Creating an interactive PDF file from a multipage document in Fireworks: Use the export as PDF functionality in Fireworks to distribute click-through designs to your clients.
Designing for mobile devices using Fireworks: Apply these considerations and tips when creating assets for your mobile development projects using Fireworks.
Prototyping AIR applications with Fireworks: Leverage the features in Fireworks to create an interactive prototype of an AIR application using reusable graphic assets.
Creating animated logos: Use some of the innovative new features in Fireworks to create an animated 3D-like GIF logo, and learn best practices for implementing them in animation projects.
Rapid interactive prototyping with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: Learn how to work with web scripting languages and Creative Suite tools to create working models that replicate product functionality.

About the authors

Tommi West is a freelance web designer and creative director at tommiland.com. Prior to starting her own business in 2004, Tommi worked at Macromedia for six years as a technical editor and web producer.