Object Mode And Image Edit Mode; Fireworks Drawing And Editing Tools - MACROMEDIA FIREWORKS 2-USING FIREWORKS Use Manual

Object mode and image edit
mode
Computer graphics are one of two types: vector
drawings created in an application such as Macromedia
FreeHand, or bitmap images created in an application
such as Adobe Photoshop.
Paths are the basic elements of vector graphics.
Generated mathematically, a path has at least two points.
Each point joins path segments and point handles
control the shape and length of adjacent segments.
Pixels, the basic elements of bitmap graphics, are tiny
squares that combine like the tiles of a mosaic to create
an image. A bitmap image becomes more granulated as
magnification reveals the individual pixels.
Fireworks blurs the distinction between vector graphics
and bitmap image graphics. The path of a Fireworks
object is an editable vector path. Yet it may also have a
wide, textured stroke, an image fill, and an effect such as
a drop shadow, bevel, or glow.
Magnifying any Fireworks object reveals pixels. Yet the
object's pixels redraw in response to vector editing. Even
effects—previously reserved for bitmap image
applications—redraw after an object is edited.
Fireworks can edit both types of objects—vector objects
and image objects. Some tools behave in different ways
when editing either type of object.
Object mode is the default mode, where vector graphic
creation and some image manipulation occurs. Image
edit mode is where pixel editing occurs within an image
object. A blue and black striped border outlines the
current document, signifying that Fireworks is in image
edit mode.
Fireworks has up to 100 undo steps, which are available
in both image edit mode and object mode. The default
number of Undo Steps in File > Preferences is 8.
44 Chapter 2

Fireworks drawing and editing tools

The table below describes each tool's basic function on
each type of object. Some tools work only on one type of
object, while others work on both. The characteristics of
some tools change according to the type of object being
edited.
Fireworks drawing and editing tools use smart cursors
which show what tool is being used by the shape of the
cursor. For example, the paintbrush tool cursor is a small
paintbrush and the pencil tool cursor is a small pencil.
To replace these smart cursors with more precise
crosshair cursors, check the File > Preferences > Editing >
"Precise Cursors" preference. Press the Caps Lock
button to temporarily enable precise cursors without
using this preference.
Tools that behave exactly the same on both types of
objects are not in this table.
This tool In object mode
Pointer Selects and moves
paths on the
screen.
Select Selects an object
Behind behind the selected
object.
Crop Discards portions of
a document.
Sub- Selects and moves
selection paths on screen,
selects an object
within a group or
symbol, displays
points on a path,
and selects points.
Marquee Activates image
or Ellipse edit mode and
Marquee selects or moves a
rectangular or
elliptical area of
pixels.
In image edit mode
Moves the image or
moves pixels bound
by a marquee.
Double-click an
image to edit its
pixels.
Moves the image or
moves pixels bound
by a marquee.
Discards portions of
a floating image
document.
Moves the image or
moves pixels bound
by a marquee.
Selects or moves a
rectangular or
elliptical area of
pixels.