FireWorks Basic Image Editing

Preparing images for the web
Preparing images for PowerPoint
Resize an image and change the resolution
Crop or Strainghten an image with Free Transform
Rotate, Modify image color or brightness
Optimize an image for the web
Using the Rubber stamp tool

I.  Preparing images for the Web-The Ground Rules

There are three  types of image types that browsers can display:  .jpg’s .png’s and .gif’s. 

.jpg images
Display up to 16 million colors—recommended for photographs
Has a good compression routine, and creates small image file size.
Reduces file size every time it is saved—can potentially degrade image quality.

.gif images
Can only display 256 web safe colors—recommended for clip art, computer generated images. Small file size, does not degrade image.

.png images
Firework’s native file format.
Only supported by newer browsers.   It is recommended that .jpg or .gif files are used.  Not .png files because they are not supported by older web browsers.

II.  Web Recommendations
Physical dimension of the image should be 1-3 inches. 

Resolution should be 100 pixels per inch.  The larger images can be around 4-5 inches with 72 ppi resolution.

Images should be Optimized for the web.

III.  Preparing images for PowerPoint

Physical dimensions should be around 7 inches and resolution around 100 ppi.  File size is not as critical for PowerPoint, though large image file sizes will slow the presentation down.

PowerPoint accepts .jpg and .gif files, but not .png.  It also accepts bitmap (.bmp) images, though this type of image is a large file size and not as good as .jpg’s or .gifs

The FireWorks Workspace:

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III.  Editing Images

Open the image file to be edited.

Resizing an image

1.  Click on ModifyàCanvasàImage Size

Notice the lock.  That means Constrain Proportions is selected.  This option lets you resize an image proportionately.  If you want to distort the image, for example stretch it, Deselect the check box next to Constrain Proportions.

In the Print size area:

• Change the largest dimension to the size you want
• Change the resolution to 72 ppi or 100 ppi
• Click OK

Straighten the image

Click on ModifyàTransformàFree Transform

Move your cursor over a corner and when you get the curved arrow, click and drag in the direction you need to straighten the image.

Press Enter.

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Crop the image

• This will cut a part of the picture off.
• Click on the crop tool on the tools palette
• Click and draw a box around the image to define the new size and press enter to crop.

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Other Modify Options

• Click on Modify to Rotate an image if it needs rotating.

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Adjust Color brightness, etc.

• Click on FiltersàAdjust ColoràAuto Levels
• Auto levels is a quick fix. If you still need to work with your image, try manually adjusting the image with one of the other options. It is best to make a back up of the original before you apply any of these options.

Optimize Images for the web with the Export Wizard:

FileàExport Wizard

Click Next, Next, and Exit  (accept settings for export for the web.)

At the final screen click in the dropdown menu corresponding to the file type and settings you prefer. In the example, notice the JPEG was selected at Better Quality. JPEG is the better choice for photographs or portraits where the images use colors other than the 256 web safe colors.

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Click on Export

Use the Rubber Stamp Tool

Picks up pixels and puts them where you want.

To Pick up the pixels Position the cursor where you want to copy the area of pixels and

Press Alt+Click

Click and drag to put the pixels where you want them to go. Keep an eye on the area where you are picking up pixels with the + to make sure you do not pick up unwanted pixels.

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