Here we will examin the "Paste Inside" command to create a mask using a drawn object created by the vector drawing tools, text converted to paths or a bitmap graphic as the masking object. The shape of the masking object will be used as a cookie cutter to "crop" the other graphic.
Step One - Open Fireworks. When first opened Fireworks never gives you a blank page. Go to File,” select Open,” select a 500 X 500 pixel page, resolution 72, select" transparent radio button," and "OK."
Step Two - Set up all needed palettes "Window" menu, select Tools, Properties, Optimize, Layers, and Styles. Move the toolbars to the left of your document, and place the others on the right. The "Property Inspector " contains all options for changing text. If the Property Inspector is minimized click the bottom, right arrow to expand. Through the Property Inspector you can change size, font, spacing, alignment, leading, stroke, fill, and live effects A style contains built-in styles for text and graphics. A style can include attributes such as font, point size, color, fills, stroke or effect.
Step Three - To create a vector masking object , "Select” the Ellipse, Rectangle or Freeform vector tool from the toolbar. "Click” on the canvas and "drag” to create an object.
Step Four - With object still selected, add stroke, fill and effect attributes or add an already defined style from the style palette.
Step Five - To import a graphic to be place inside the path, go to "File,” "Select Import,” Select” the file to be imported from your hard drive or disk. "Select Open.” Click on the canvas to import the object as it is or place the corner arrow on the canvas and click and drag to make a bounding box. The object will take on the size of the bounding box.
Step Six - Position the graphic so that it covers the masking object. Do not deselect the graphic. Go to the "Edit” menu, select "Cut.”
Step Seven - "Select” the masking object. Go to "Edit” and Select "Paste Inside.” If you need to reposition the graphic you can do so before you deselect it, by dragging it with the Pointer tool.
Step Eight - To edit the position of the graphic in the masking object, "Select” it and Double Click” the blue and white Mask icon. Use the Pointer tool to reposition the graphic inside.
Step Nine - The canvas should contain no empty space if it will be used on the web. Under the "Modify" menu item, select "Canvas,""Trim Canvas," The canvas will contain only your text with not extra space.
Step Ten - Saving the document. See the attached Saving Instructions.
