How to Launch Fireworks
This is a basic instruction for beginners in launching and using Fireworks 3.0. Fireworks 3.0 is a program used to create and edit graphics and animation. Fireworks can be used in conjunction with Dreamweaver to create graphics for webpage design.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
From a Windows-based computer, launch Fireworks by clicking on the Start Menu, Programs, Macromedia Fireworks 3, Fireworks 3.From a Mac you can launch Fireworks by going to the Apple Menu and selecting Fireworks 3.
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When you open a new document in Fireworks, there is a Toolbox on the left side of the window. The image below is of the toolbar and what each icon represents. If you go through a Basic Skills lesson they will teach you how to use some of these tools.
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3
To create a new image, open Fireworks and go to the File menu. Choose New. A window will appear titled New Document. Under Canvas Size, you will enter a value for the height and width of your image. Choose whether you would like to enter the height and width in Pixels, Inches, or Centimeters by using the pull-down menu on the right. To change the width and height of your image, highlight the width value and enter the value you would like. Do the same for the height value. This value can be modified later by going to Modify and selec Canvas Size.Set the Resolution to 72 Pixels/Inch. Under Canvas Color select the color you would like for your canvas. This can be changed later by going to Modify and select Canvas Color.Click OK and a new document will appear on the screen.
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If you want to open an existing image, launch fireworks. From the File menu select Open. Find your file and click Open. Taking the a Basic Skills lesson will provide you with enough instruction to edit this information.
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To save your file:1. From the File menu, select Save. 2. In the Save as window, type the name you wish to assign to your document. 3. If you are saving the files for use on a webpage, make sure you save them to a folder containing all of the files for that webpage.
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To export your file:Because Fireworks saves your files as Fireworks files (.png), it is necessary to convert them to standard image files by exporting them so that they can be opened by programs other than Fireworks.1. From the File menu, select Export Preview. 2. When a message shows up about redraw speed, make sure to check the box next to Don't show again and press OK. 3. Under Format select the type of format you would like for your image (probably either JPEG or GIF). 4. Click Export. 5. In the Export window choose where you would like to save the file and under File Name type in a name for your file. 6. If you are using a Windows computer, click Save. If you are using a Mac, click Export.
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To quit Fireworks 3.0 on a Windows computer, from the File menu select Exit. On a Macintosh, from the File menu select Quit
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Tips & Warnings
Fireworks 3 is no longer found on the public computers. It has been replaced with a newer version Fireworks MX.
If you would like to install Fireworks MX, please use the Fireworks MX help files and tutorials.
