Importing Bitmap Images into Fireworks: Supported Formats

Importing Bitmap Images into Fireworks

Defining the Canvas

The first step is defining the work area or canvas (remember to have the negative area visible). Then, select the import option from the File menu.

A window like the one below will open.

Locating and Selecting the Image

In the Look in option, you'll search the folder where your image is saved. In the Files of type menu, the formats that Fireworks recognizes are shown. Once you select the file, click Open.

Placing the Image

The following mark will be displayed on the canvas, which means Fireworks is ready to bring in the selected image.

Simply click with your mouse or try to trace the desired size of the image.

That way, the image will appear on the canvas.

Image Properties

This image's properties can be observed in the Properties inspector: height, width, and position of the selection within the canvas (x, y).

Supported Image Formats in Fireworks

Types of formats that can be imported into Fireworks:

• GIF files: The first file format used on the Internet. It is a standard format for any web page, and GIFs can be either a static image or an animation. This type of file has limited colors, only 256 are allowed. It also allows transparent areas in the image.
• JPEG files: Offers more quality and is very commonly seen on web pages. Regularly used for pictures or images containing complex colors or shadows.
• PNG files: Smaller than GIF files, they can be combined with vector objects. They are less commonly used on web pages.
• Fireworks PNG files: Fireworks files are saved in this format. They aren't used directly on the web because they keep information on all the objects used in them. After creating a Fireworks file, it's convenient to export it into another format that can be used on the web.
• FT or FH files: Freehand (another Macromedia program) saves documents in this format. Fireworks allows the use of these files, increasing the quality of pictures.
• PSD files: The type of files that Photoshop saves, which is a program for photographic retouching.
• BMP files.
• RTF files: Type of file saved by Word.
• CDR files: Saved by Corel Draw, which is another software for graphic design.