Create rich symbols

This version of Fireworks introduces new and enhanced symbol features. Create graphic symbols that can be intelligently scaled and given specific attributes using a JavaScript (JSF) file. Quickly mock up a user interface by dragging these symbols on to the document and editing the parameters associated with them using the new Symbol Properties panel.

Rich symbols
Symbol Properties panel	This new panel is a central location where you can control the properties for intelligent graphic symbols.
Enhanced graphic symbol	An enhancement to the graphic symbol allows the creation of customizable symbol properties using JavaScript.
Symbol library	A pre-designed library of graphic symbols that utilize the new functionality has been included in this software release. These can be customized to accommodate the look and feel of a particular website or user interface.
Swap symbols	A new "swap symbol" feature allows you to easily swap symbols as you are designing your document.

For more information, see Creating and using rich graphic symbols.

Intelligent scaling for symbols

Traditionally, when you apply scale transformations to symbols, the entire object is transformed as a single unit. With certain kinds of objects, especially geometric shapes with styled corners, the result is a symbol that appears somewhat distorted.

Fireworks CS3 introduces a dynamic new feature called 9-slice scaling, which allows you to intelligently scale vector or bitmap symbols. By positioning a set of guides over your artwork, you can define exactly how each part of a symbol is scaled. Any of nine different regions can be specified to scale only horizontally, scale only vertically, scale both horizontally and vertically, or to not scale at all. The feature, which is on by default, can also be set to scale just three regions. When combined with the new Auto Shape library, 9-slice scaling makes it faster than ever before to prototype websites and applications.

Scaling without distortion
New 9-slice scaling tool	Enable the 9-slice scaling feature to scale vector and bitmap symbols up or down without distorting their geometry. The symbol can be scaled using 3 or 9 regions, based on the shape of the symbol.

For more information, see Using 9-slice scaling.

Add multiple pages to a single document

In a never-ending effort to improve web-design workflows, Fireworks CS3 makes it easy to build complex multi-page web prototypes using a single PNG file. Each page contains its own settings for canvas document, size, color, image resolution, and guides. These settings can be set on a per-page basis, or globally across all pages in the document.

Taking the multi-page concept one step further, Fireworks layers can apply to a single page or be shared across pages. Once shared, the layers are shaded yellow to differentiate them from unshared layers. For rapid prototyping, you can create workflows with hyperlinks and hotspot behaviors on multiple pages. You can also preview all of your pages in a browser or export them all at once as multiple HTML pages.

Prototype without complexity
New Pages panel	A new Pages panel gives easy access to all of the pages in your PNG file.
Apply layers across pages	Layers can apply to a single page, or can be shared across multiple pages. Once shared, the layers are displayed in yellow to differentiate from unshared Layers.
Use a master page for common elements	An optional master page can be used to hold elements that are common to all pages.

For more information, see Working with pages.

Create Flash-based slideshows

Automatically create an image slideshow. The Create Slideshow command allows you to create a Flash slideshow without knowing how to use Flash. You simply select a folder with images, add slideshow options (such as slide transitions), select a Fireworks album player (a Flash template) for the final output, and automatically batch-process the required thumbnail and full-size images that are optimized for the web.

Create a Flash slideshow without learning Flash
Create Slideshow feature	Choose Create Slideshow from the Commands menu to launch the new tool.

For more information, see Creating Slideshows.

Hierarchical layers

In Fireworks CS3 the structure of layers in a document can be as simple or as complex as required and all hierarchical layers are preserved. When creating a new file, all items are organized at the same level, in a non-hierarchical manner. You can create new sub layers as needed and move items into them, or move elements from one layer to another at any time. You can also create multiple sub layers and group them.

Use layers for greater design flexibility
Hierarchical layers	Use the Layers panel to create and organize layers as you need them.

For more information, see Working with layers.

Work with Photoshop files

With Fireworks CS3, you can directly import native files from Photoshop. Achieving a whole new level of functionality, Adobe is redefining the concept of what integration should be. Fireworks design comps and images can now be saved as native Photoshop files and opened in either Photoshop or Fireworks CS3 with layer information preserved.

Improved Photoshop compatibility
Photoshop layer effects	Photoshop provides a variety of effects such as shadows, glows, bevels, overlays, and strokes that let the user change the appearance of a layer's contents. Fireworks CS3 now preserves these editable Photoshop layer effects when importing or opening a PSD file. You can also now apply Photoshop layer effects directly to any object within Fireworks by selecting Photoshop Live Effects from the Live Filters tool in the Property inspector.
Photoshop blend modes	Fireworks CS3 includes seven commonly used Photoshop blending modes (dissolve, linear burn, linear dodge, vivid light, linear light, pin light, and hard mix).
Retain hierarchical layers when opening PSD files	Fireworks CS3 now supports a hierarchical layer structure, allowing you to preserve layer and sublayer information when importing files from Photoshop.

For more information, see Working with Photoshop.

Import Fireworks files into Adobe Flash

Now you can move content from Fireworks CS3 to Flash CS3 Professional quickly by copying and pasting or by directly importing a Fireworks PNG file. Important structure is maintained, including multiple pages, shared layers, hierarchical layers, frames, 9-slice scaling settings, and many effects. Prototyping in Fireworks and developing in Flash has never been easier.

For more information, see Working with Flash.

Flex integration for RIA layouts

As designers continue to push the technology envelope, better tools and integration become more important than ever. Fireworks CS3 can help in the development of next-generation rich internet applications--referred to as RIAs--by making it possible to export common library assets as known components for use in Adobe Flex™ Builder.™ Styling and absolute positioning are also maintained.

The best part is there's no work necessary on your part, because Fireworks exports the necessary Flex code (MXML) for you. Now you can easily create a Flex application layout in Fireworks, leveraging Flex common library assets as MXML for loading into Flex Builder.

Work with Illustrator files

Open Illustrator files in Fireworks while preserving hierarchical layers, patterns, linked images, text attributes, transparency, and more. Fireworks also contains export options for exporting to Adobe Illustrator 8.0.

For more information, see About working with Illustrator.

For more information on the new features, see the Fireworks page on the Adobe website at www.adobe.com/products/fireworks/.

Adobe Bridge

Simplify file handling in Fireworks and within Adobe Creative Suite with Adobe Bridge, the next-generation file browser. Efficiently browse, tag, search, and process your images. Using Bridge and Fireworks together means you can take advantage of XMP metadata in your files. Adobe XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) is a technology that assists the user in adding file information to files saved in PNG, GIF, JPEG, Photoshop, and TIFF formats, and facilitates the exchange of metadata between Adobe software and other systems that support the XMP metadata standard.

For more information, see About Adobe Bridge.