IT Training

Computing Workshop Descriptions - Fireworks

• The Basics
• Optimizing Graphics for the Web
• Designing an Interactive Web Site

Fireworks CS4: The Basics

Fireworks was built from the ground up for the creation of web graphics. This workshop is intended for anyone who wants to use Fireworks to create beautiful, editable graphics from scratch, intended for use on the web. This workshop also provides basic coverage of optimizing graphics for web distribution.

Participants will:

• learn the difference between vector and bitmap graphics
• create art using vector paths, strokes, fills, and Fireworks Live Effects
• use the Pen Tool to draw vector shapes and lines
• bend text around paths
• use special effects, such as shadows, bevels, and textures
• optimize and export graphics for use on the Web

Participants should already be able to:

• use the mouse
• work with windows and menus
• save, copy, and organize documents in a Windows or Mac environment

The materials handout for this workshop are also available for download at: http://ittraining.iu.edu/online/tutorials/

Fireworks: Optimizing Graphics for the Web

This workshop is currently under revision for the upgrade from version CS3 to CS4.

Preparing graphics for use on the web can be a daunting task. Effectively outputting original Fireworks source (*.png) files or high quality art created in Illustrator or Photoshop to the web requires an understanding of different web graphic file types (GIF versus JPEG), methods of file compression, color depth, and more. This workshop will help everyone with a basic knowledge of Fireworks learn how it simplifies the process and helps users output compact professional looking web graphics.

Participants will:

• learn how to choose between GIF and JPEG
• compare the visual effects of different approaches to compression
• use indexed transparency to create the illusion of non-rectangular graphics
• slice complex images into smaller units, optimizing some slices as GIF and others as JPEG

Participants should already be able to:

• work with both bitmap and vector graphics in the Fireworks editing environment
• use the Fireworks 4-pane optimization interface and panel at a basic level

Fireworks: Designing an Interactive Web Site

This workshop is currently under revision for the upgrade from version CS3 to CS4.

Designed for participants with experience in both Fireworks and Dreamweaver, this workshop covers how to use Fireworks to graphically design the layout of a web site, and then export it seamlessly into Dreamweaver for further editing. Also covers how to create sophisticated animated and interactive graphic page elements, such as banner ads, image rollovers and navigation bars, without any coding. Special attention is devoted to integrating Fireworks and Dreamweaver in an efficient web page production workflow.

Participants will:

• design a whole-page Web layout in Fireworks
• create buttons and a navigation bar
• create an Animated GIF
• use disjoint rollovers to create an interactive map
• export complex, interactive pages as functional pages for use in Dreamweaver

Participants should already be able to:

• create and edit vector graphics, in the Fireworks environment
• organize content using layers
• optimize and export graphics, using the GIF and/or JPEG graphic file types, as appropriate
• slice images