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Tutorial: Graphics in Fireworks

Aside from preparing text to use in your image, you can create graphics with the drawing tools in Fireworks. On this page, you will learn how to draw a line with the pen tool, how to create a shape with the shape tool, and how to copy a shape.

Draw a line
Fireworks Pen icon This section will use the pen tool (icon shown right) to draw a curved line along the top of our image.
drawing with the pen
Drawing with the pen
Click for enlargment

  1. Select the pen tool from the Fireworks toolbar.
  2. Select the color you want your line to be from the color palette on the toolbar.
  3. Click at the point you want to begin your line (near the left edge of the window).
  4. Click and hold at the center point for the line. Now drag your mouse to the right to extend the handles and create a curve for your line. When the curve looks good, let go of the mouse button. (shown right)
  5. Now click and release near the right side of the screen, where your line should end.

You now have a curved line. You can select this line at any time in the future with the black arrow tool, and you can select and alter points and handles with the white arrow tool.

See also: Fireworks: tools

Create a shape
Fireworks Shape tool If you want to make a simple geometric shape with accurate angles, you can use the Fireworks shape tool (icon shown right). Follow these steps to make a small shape next to one of your text objects.

  1. Select the shape tool by clicking on its icon in the tool bar. (If you hold it down, you can select from more than one shape; alternately, you can double-click the shape tool to open the shape panel.)
  2. Select the color for the shape fill and the shape border in the color boxes at the bottom of the tool bar.
  3. Make your shape by clicking and dragging where you want your shape to appear.

Now you have a shape next to one of your text objects. You can select this shape object at any time in the future with the black arrow tool, and you can select and alter points and handles with the white arrow tool.

See also: Fireworks: tools

Copy a shape
Now we're going to see how Fireworks' copy and paste features work. This step will show you how to copy your shape and paste a copy of it back into the document.
copying a shape
Copying a Shape
Click for enlargment

  1. Select your shape by clicking on it with the black arrow tool.
  2. Copy the shape by typing CTRL + C or using the following menu progression:
    Edit Copy
  3. Now paste your shape into your image by typing CTRL + V or using the following menu progression:
    Edit Paste
    When you paste your shape, it will appear right on top of the old shape you made.
  4. Now move your new shape with the black arrow tool. (shown right)

Repeat this process until you have a shape next to each of your menu options.

Now that you have added some graphic elements to your image, you are probably ready to add a little pizazz using Fireworks effects options. But first, you will need to make a second frame.

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