I451 Tech SeminarWhat Is Fireworks?Why Fireworks?About Web Graphics.gif Images.jpg ImagesGraphics in Fireworks.png filesMacromedia Fireworks:Part One – Basic Tools andGraphics OptimizationI451 Tech SeminarWhat Is Fireworks?•A tool for designing and optimizing graphics and graphics-based functions for websites•Handles both vector-based and bitmap-based graphics•Integration with other Macromedia software•Fireworks MX is available on most STC machines•Newest version: Fireworks MX 2004Why Fireworks?•Quick, simple, powerful (short learning curve)•Excellent graphics optimization•Special tools for dynamic graphics-based functionality (animations, rollover buttons, slices, javascript functions, tables)•Integration with DreamweaverAbout Web Graphics•Web graphics are displayed at 72dpi (dots per inch)•Web browsers primarily display two types of (compressed) graphics formats: .gif and .jpeg •.gif and .jpg formats each have their own advantages and disadvantages..gif Images•typically used for images with flat color fields•can be copied into and re-exported from a graphics program without loss in image quality •can be partially or completely transparent•can be combined to create an “animated” series of images•can display a maximum of 256 simultaneous colors•can be displayed/downloaded as “interlaced” images.jpg Images•typically used for images with complex color combinations (photographs etc.)•great flexibility in level of quality/compression •can be displayed/downloaded “progressively” •can contain/display millions of colorsGraphics in Fireworks•Fireworks can create and import bitmap graphics, but also can be used to create vector graphics that can later be converted to bitmaps•Bitmaps are made up of individual pixels containing specific color values •Vectors are made up of points and paths •In Fireworks, vectors can be created, re-sized, re-shaped and distorted without loss of image quailty.png files•.png is the file format used to save Macromedia Fireworks images and file information•Will display graphically on some web browsers, but is not optimal •Can be (partially) read by other graphics applications such as