Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004 – Design Professional

Importing, Selecting, and Modifying Graphics

2Importing, Selecting, and Modifying Graphics Web Collection: Fireworks MX 2004 Chapter C

Work with imported files

Work with bitmap selection tools

Learn about selections areas

Select areas based on color

Chapter Lessons

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Can import many different file types

Can select areas of pixels using different tools

Can manipulate pixel selection

Can flatten or merge objects and layers to reduce file size

Importing, Selecting, and Modifying Graphics

4Importing, Selecting, and Modifying Graphics Web Collection: Fireworks MX 2004 Chapter C

Work with Imported Files

Import different file types into document

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Importing several images can increase file size

Cannot import all formats depending on version of source file software

Considerations for importing files

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File import formats

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Using Different File Formats in Fireworks

Copying and pasting – Places image on Clipboard – consumes

resources

Dragging and dropping

– Does not place image on Clipboard – saves resources

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Using Different File Formats in Fireworks

Can determine how Photoshop files import– Layers and text options or can import

as bitmap

Can determine how vector objects import– Size– Layers– Rendered images

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Vector file imported as a group

Imported vector file

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Work with Bitmap Selection Tools

Use Marquee and Oval Marquee tools to select pixels

Copy selection

Transform selection

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Selected pixels known as marquee selection

Marquee selection = flashing perimeter, or “marching ants”

Selection is temporary but can manipulate pixels

Understanding Bitmap Selection Tools

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Understanding Bitmap Selection Tools

Bitmap Via Copy – copies and pastes selected pixels

Bitmap Via Cut – cuts and pastes selected pixels

Both commands paste selected pixels as new object on active layer

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Using the Marquee Tools

Selects pixels in specific shape– Rectangle/Square– Oval/Circle

Properties – Selection style

– Normal– Fixed Ratio – constrained size– Fixed Size – exact dimension

– Edge

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Using the Transformation ToolsScale – resizes

Skew – slants along horizontal and vertical axes

Distort – alters size and proportion

Rotation pointer appears when selected

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Using the Oval Marquee ToolSelected

pixelsFeathered

edge

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Rotating a selection

Rotation pointer

Object being rotated

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Learn About Selection Areas

Select pixels using lasso tools

Edit marquee selection

Restore bitmap selection

Copy bitmap selection

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Using the Lasso Tools

Define exact pixel selection – not preset shape

Properties: Edge

Lasso tool– Works well on images with curves– Creates marquee in one motion with

mouse– Tracing ability a plus

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Using the Lasso Tools

Polygon Lasso tool– Works well on images with straight or

asymmetrical lines– Creates marquee in stages by

clicking mouse

Magnify or zoom canvas as necessary 6% – 6400%

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Edit bitmap selection– Select Inverse– Select Similar– Feather– Expand Marquee– Contract Marquee– Border Marquee– Smooth Marquee

Using Select Menu Commands

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Save Bitmap Selection

Restore Bitmap Selection– Can apply commands during

current editing session only

– Can use after source file saved, closed, reopened

Using Select Menu Commands

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Creating a marquee using the Lasso tool

Press [Caps Lock] to switch pointer

to cross hair

Create marquee in one stroke

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Applying the Smooth Marquee command

Smoothing removes

pixels from selection

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Select Areas Based on Color

Select areas of color using Magic Wand tool

Merge layers

Flatten image

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Using the Magic Wand Tool

Selects pixels based on color

Properties – Tolerance = range of colors

the tool selects 0 – 255– Edge

Increasing amount tolerance increases the ranges of similar colors selected

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Using the Magic Wand Tool

Select Similar command adds matching colors to selection

Press and hold [Shift] to add canvas area clicked with amount of tolerance setting to selection

Press and hold [Alt] (Win) or [option] (Mac) to subtract amount of tolerance setting from selection

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Merging and Flattening Objects

Helps to manage file size but objects are no longer editable

Commands on Modify menu and under Options menu button on Layers panel– Merge Down– Flatten Objects– Flatten Layers

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Pixels selected with Magic Wand tool

Selected pixels copied

Selected pixels

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Flattened layers

Effects applied to objects no

longer editable

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Chapter C SummaryCan import many file formatsDragging and dropping objects uses fewer resourcesCan set many options when a vector file or Photoshop fileCan save some changes in original file formatMarquee tools select set shape

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Chapter C SummaryLasso tools outline shape Can save and recall bitmap selectionMagic Wand tool selects pixels based on colorAdjust color range with Tolerance settingMerge Objects,Flatten Objects, Flatten Layers reduce file size