You can easily build websites by importing and modifying images and clipart from other sources. However, if you want your work to be different from anything else out there you must be able to design original content. One way to do this is to use Firework’s Drawing Tools to create your own illustrations.

Most of Fireworks tools operate in both Vector and Image Editing Mode. Recall that earlier in the manual we discussed the difference between the two modes and how you switch between them.  The drawback to creating material in Image Editing mode is that, in some cases, it can’t be edited once it’s been applied. For example, if you were to apply an airbrushed stroke to a layer with a bitmapped photograph on it you would be unable to erase the new stroke without also removing some of the photograph. A very simple way to avoid this problem altogether is to place your image content on Layers. We will be discussing Layers in a later unit.

An even easier way to avoid problems like the one described above is to use the drawing tools while in Object Mode. Any vector content in your image remains completely editable at all times just so long as your document remains in the Fireworks native file format. You can place as many vector shapes on the same layer as you wish and they will remain editable. That having been said you must always keep in mind the differences between vector and bitmap image information and the benefits and drawbacks of both. The vector tools are very useful but they are also limited to the creation of relatively simple illustrations. You would never use vectors to display the complex color information of a detailed photograph.

It might be useful to start off this unit by examining the Color Mixer and the Swatches Panel. After all, you can’t do anything with the tools unless you have a color to apply.