Fireworks has two image editing modes; Object Mode and Image Edit mode. Object Mode allows you to create and edit vector content in your document window. Image Edit mode allows you to edit bitmap content on your screen. You’ll know which mode you are in by looking at the status bar at the bottom of the workspace. If you see a small red circle with a white "x" you are in Image Edit mode. If the "x" and circle aren’t visible then you’re in Object Mode. You can switch from one mode to the other by {Clicking} on the image itself.  If your cursor is hovering over a vector object in the Document Window, double clicking will put you in Object Mode. {Double clicking} while on a bitmap will enable Image Edit mode. You can also turn off Image Edit mode by {Clicking} the "x" on the red circle.

(Figure 2.6 The status bar indicating Image Edit mode.)

The status bar does more than just indicate what editing mode you are in. If you hover your mouse over any icon in the Toolbox you will find the status bar provides a brief description of specific tools.

(Figure 2.8 The status bar with description of the brush tool.)

The status bar also acts as a controller for playback of frame animations that you’ve created. Animation is dealt with later in the manual.

(2.9 Animation controller on status bar.)

Finally, the status bar also allows you to modify the way you view your document, whether it be zooming in or out, switching between regular and draft display, or providing you with information about the size and resolution of your document.

(Figure 2.10 Display Information (l-r): magnification, full or draft display, document information.)