Using Symbols; To Create A New Symbol From A Selected Object; To Create A Symbol From Scratch - MACROMEDIA FIREWORKS 8-USING FIREWORKS Use Manual

Using symbols

Fireworks has three types of symbols: graphic, animation, and button. Each has unique
characteristics for its specific use. Instances are representations of a Fireworks symbol. When
the symbol object (the original) is edited, the instances (copies) automatically change to reflect
the modifications to the symbol.
Symbols are useful whenever you want to reuse a graphic element. You can place instances in
multiple Fireworks documents and retain the association with the symbol. Symbols are
helpful for creating buttons and animating objects across multiple frames. For more
information about the additional features built into animation and button features, see
"Creating animation symbols" on page 309
Creating a symbol
You can create graphic, animation, and button symbols using the Edit > Insert submenu. You
can create a symbol from any object, text block, or group, and then organize them in the
Library panel. To place instances in a document, you simply drag them from the Library
panel onto the canvas.

To create a new symbol from a selected object:

1.
Select the object and select Modify > Symbol > Convert to Symbol.
2.
Type a name for the symbol in the Name text box of the Symbol Properties dialog box.
3. Select a symbol type: Graphic, Animation, or Button. Then click OK.
The symbol appears in the library, the selected object becomes an instance of the symbol,
and the Property inspector displays symbol options.

To create a symbol from scratch:

1. Do one of the following:
Select Edit > Insert > New Symbol.
Select New Symbol from the Library panel Options menu.
2. Select a symbol type: Graphic, Animation, or Button. Then click OK.
Depending on which symbol type you select, the Symbol Editor or Button Editor opens.
3.
Create the symbol using the tools in the Tools panel, then close the editor.
For more information, see
symbols" on page 309.
240 Chapter 10: Using Styles, Symbols, and URLs
and
"Creating button symbols" on page 282
"Creating button symbols" on page
and
282.
"Creating animation