Fireworks MX eliminates the need to manually switch graphic modes so that you can seamlessly create and edit vector objects and bitmap images without having to worry about which mode you're in.

In this tutorial you'll gain an appreciation for modeless editing in Fireworks MX by working with vector objects and bitmap images. You'll also discover how the Property inspector and the Tools panel work together to simplify graphics creation and editing.

This tutorial will be especially helpful to users of previous versions of Fireworks, who may have already developed a comfortable workflow using modes. While the elimination of the need to switch modes is intended to simplify the graphic design workflow, it has introduced a few changes to Fireworks functionality about which existing users will want to be aware.

To complete the tutorial, you'll need the following source files:

Download the Windows source file (284K)
Download the Macintosh source file (288K)

When the file decompresses, a folder named modeless_editing is created on your system.

If you have trouble downloading or decompressing the file, see TechNote 13686.

About vector and bitmap graphics

About modes

Explore the Tools panel

Import a bitmap

Select pixels in the bitmap

Import a vector object

Apply a filter to the bitmap

Draw a vector object

Create text

Transform and combine vector objects

Modify pixels in the bitmap

Apply the finishing touch

Return to the "modes" model

Moving on

Tonya Estes Tonya Estes writes documentation and tutorials for Fireworks and FreeHand. 23 July 2002 vector, bitmap, edit, select, graphic, pixel, object, tool, mode, option, property, tutorial 9051