Extending Fireworks - MACROMEDIA FIREWORKS MX 2004-USING FIREWORKS Use Manual

Extending Fireworks

Extending Fireworks has never been easier. Fireworks offers a variety of different ways you can
create custom commands that enhance its capabilities.
With the Extension Manager, you can install and manage extensions that augment the
functionality of Fireworks. Or you can write custom JavaScript code and use it as a custom
command in Fireworks. You can also use Flash SWF movies as custom commands in Fireworks.
In addition, the Fireworks History panel provides an easy-to-use interface that allows you to
create custom commands from a series of recorded tasks.
After you install an extension or create a custom command, Fireworks places it in the
Commands menu.
Note: If stored as a SWF file in the Command Panels folder on your hard disk, commands are
available as panels in the Window menu. For more information, see
files" on page 278.
Using the Macromedia Extension Manager
An extension is a command script, command panel, library, filter, pattern, texture, or Auto Shape
that can be added to Fireworks to enhance its capabilities. Fireworks ships with the Macromedia
Extension Manager, which allows you to easily install, manage, and delete extensions. Upon
installation, Fireworks includes a collection of default extensions in the Commands menu.
You can also use the Extension Manager to bundle your own extensions and send them to the
Macromedia Exchange for Fireworks. Through the Exchange, you can share your extensions with
other Fireworks users.
Third-party extensions are stored in subfolders (depending upon the type of extension) in the
Configuration folder in the Fireworks application folder on your hard disk.
Commands that you create and save using the History panel are stored in your user's Commands
folder. For information on the location of this folder, see
on page 286.
To open the Extension Manager from within Fireworks, do one of the following:
•
Choose Commands > Manage Extensions.
•
Choose Help > Manage Extensions.
For more information about using the Extension Manager, see Extension Manager Help.
To visit the Macromedia Fireworks Exchange:
•
From within Fireworks, choose Help > Fireworks Exchange.
•
Browse to www.macromedia.com/go/fireworks_exchange in your web browser.
"About scripting with Flash SWF
"About user configuration files"
Extending Fireworks 275