Fireworks 4.0 Introduction

·         Course Description

Overview:   In this course, you'll use Macromedia Fireworks to create vector graphics, edit bitmap graphics, optimize images, and create and assign rollover effects for the Web.

Prerequisites:   To ensure your success, you must have a basic understanding of your computer's operating system. For example, you should know how to launch an application, create and save files, and copy files from CDs and other media.

Performance-Based Objectives
Lesson objectives help students become comfortable with the course, and also provide a means to evaluate learning. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the differences between bitmap and vector graphics.
• Use the Info panel to precisely scale objects.
• Use Fireworks to create and manipulate complex vector graphics and apply effects, textures, and patterns.
• Understand the GIF, JPEG, and PNG file formats to choose the right one for each kind of image.
• Import bitmap (raster) graphics and modify them in Bitmap Mode.
• Create selections within bitmap images using the Lasso, Marquee, and Magic Wand tools.
• Import and modify text objects, and merge them with vector graphics.
• Understand image resolution as it pertains to Web based graphics.
• Show and edit rulers, grids, and guides in order to help position items with precision on a Web page.
• Create hotspots to which you will assign links, alt text, and link targets.
• Slice complex images into sections and use the Optimize panel and Fireworks' Preview modes to optimize the images individually.
• Create simple and customized rollover and disjoint rollover effects using effects, patterns, and textures.
• Export a multi-frame Fireworks file with rollover effects as an HTML document.

Course Content

Lesson 1: The Fireworks Environment
          Topic 1A: An Overview of Fireworks
                   Task 1A-1: Previewing a Web Page in Fireworks
          Topic 1B: Vector and Bitmap Graphics
          Topic 1C: Fireworks Environment Elements
                   Task 1C-1: Exploring a Fireworks Document
                   Task 1C-2: Accessing and Arranging Fireworks Panels
          Topic 1D: Navigating in Fireworks
                   Task 1D-1: Zooming and Navigating
                   Task 1D-2: Resizing the Fireworks Window
                   Task 1D-3: Navigating Using Shortcuts

Lesson 2: Creating Vector Graphics
          Topic 2A: Drawing Tools
                   Task 2A-1: Drawing with the Pencil Tool
                   Task 2A-2: Drawing Straight Segments with the Pencil Tool
                   Task 2A-3: Drawing Line Segments with the Line Tool
          Topic 2B: Object Drawing Tools
                   Task 2B-1: Rectangle Tool
                   Task 2B-2: The Ellipse Tool
                   Task 2B-3: Polygon Tool
          Topic 2C: Modifying Vector Graphics
                   Task 2C-1: Using the Stroke Panel
                   Task 2C-2: Editing Fills
                   Task 2C-3: Gradient Fills
                   Task 2C-4: Applying Pattern Fills

Lesson 3: Transforming Vector Images and Effects
          Topic 3A: Combining Shapes
                   Task 3A-1: Combining Vector Shapes
                   Task 3A-2: Expanding Strokes
          Topic 3B: Arranging and Transforming
                   Task 3B-1: Aligning Objects
                   Task 3B-2: Adjusting the Stacking Order
                   Task 3B-3: Using Layers
                   Task 3B-4: Scaling Objects
                   Task 3B-5: Skewing and Distorting Objects
                   Task 3B-6: Knife Tool
                   Task 3B-7: Grouping
                   Task 3B-8: Using Rulers, Grids, and Guides
          Topic 3C: Applying Effects
                   Task 3C-1: Applying Glow
                   Task 3C-2: Applying a Drop Shadow

Lesson 4: Bitmap Images
          Topic 4A: Bitmap Basics
                   Task 4A-1: Importing Bitmaps
                   Task 4A-2: Enlarging Bitmap Images
                   Task 4A-3: Cropping Bitmap Images
          Topic 4B: Editing Bitmap Images
                   Task 4B-1: Bitmap Mode
                   Task 4B-2: Creating Selections
                   Task 4B-3: Painting Bitmap Images
          Topic 4C: Effects with Bitmap Images
                   Task 4C-1: Applying Effects to Bitmap Images
          Topic 4D: Effects with Bitmap Images
                   Task 4D-1: Vector and Bitmap Graphics

Lesson 5: Using Text
          Topic 5A: Creating Text
                   Task 5A-1: Adding Text
                   Task 5A-2: Applying Effects to Text
          Topic 5B: Merging Text and Graphics
                   Task 5B-1: Combining Text with Vectors
                   Task 5B-2: Converting Text to Paths
          Topic 5C: Merging Text and Graphics
                   Task 5C-1: Adding Text

Lesson 6: Optimizing Graphics for the Web
          Topic 6A: Web Graphic File Formats
          Topic 6B: Optimizing Images
                   Task 6B-1: Optimizing Photographic Images
                   Task 6B-2: Optimizing Flat Color Graphics

Lesson 7: Hotspot Links
          Topic 7A: Creating Hotspots
                   Task 7A-1: Adding Hotspots
          Topic 7B: Assigning Links to Hotspots
                   Task 7B-1: Assigning Links

Lesson 8: Slicing and Rollovers
          Topic 8A: Slicing
                   Task 8A-1: Slicing and Optimizing
          Topic 8B: Rollovers
                   Task 8B-1: Creating Drag and Drop Rollovers
                   Task 8B-2: Using Live Effects in Rollovers
                   Task 8B-3: Custom Rollovers
                   Task 8B-4: Creating Disjoint Rollovers
                   Task 8B-5: Exporting
                   Task 8B-6: Using Fireworks Files in Dreamweaver