asked on

Using Layers in Firework

I'd like to know how to use layers in firework and what it's for especially when it comes to creating translucent icons...I never use layer in firework before so I prefer simple straightforward answer. Will appreciate if there is a PNG sample of how transparent/translucent icon will look like with layers and without layers.

Seeking immediate reply thus the points = 500.

Thanks
Sylviawee

zenlion420

sylvia,

Check this out: http://www.nokaoidesign.com/sylviawee.zip

This should give you a decent idea of how layers can be used to create really interesting effects in FW. Layers are basically like transparency sheets, and combining them with different effects/opacity settings can give you some really neat final designs. Also, it's extremely easy to change the stacking order of layers, which makes it really handy to make adjustments. What version of FW are you currently using?

j

zenlion420

Another thing that I feel is worth mentioning, is that layers also make it extremely easy to organize large projects. Let's say you're drawing out some sort of forest scene. You could put all trees on one layer, alld the little shrubs and such on another, grassy stuff on another, bords on another, and name them all accoringly. Then if you ever wanted to make adjustments to say, the trees, you could lock all of the other layers, so that they're not able to be written over, and draw in front of/behind them without effecting them. Also, you can make layers so that they're not visible with the click of a button, which is very nice as well.

j

sylviawee

ASKER

Im using Firework 3 in the office.

Zenlion, check ur sample i says, missing effects Bevel Boss and ShadowLab.

I have only the default effects in my PC.

Where do I get effects from for free?

zenlion420

Hmmm, sorry. The effects I created with those two plugins are basically what would give the graphic any really interesting qualities. I hadn't taken into consideration that you may not have the plugins. I believe both of those come free with FW MX, which I use, but they may have been part of a plugin pack I purchased a while back, called "Eye Candy 4000". I think it was only like ten bucks, but I have never searched for free fW plugins. Here is a pic of what it SHOULD look like in .png:

http://www.nokaoidesign.com/sylviawee.htm

Were you able to look through the layers? That file has 3 layers with two vector paths on each. Did you get any idea of what is going on in the file, with the layers and the opacity settings?

j

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Havin_it

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sylviawee

ASKER

Zenlion,

The end product looks like chocolate... Had a look at the layers. Somehow I think I know how it works now but I still gotta ask this question...if I don't use layers and only use the default layer for all graphics, what will happen? What I mean is that, referring to your sample, if I pile everything in one layer and group it will it look the same?

Havin It,
Thanks for the site link.

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zenlion420

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sylviawee

ASKER

Thanks, zenlion. That helps alot.

Havin_it

BTW here's a great site for free and (it's claimed) FW2+ compatible plugz:

http://www.richardrosenman.com/

I've had a lot of fun with these!

Cheers for pntzzzz...

zenlion420

Thanks sylvia,

If you have any more Qs about layers, feel free to post them inside of this thread. No need to open another (unless you're feeling generous :). Have a great day,

j

sylviawee

ASKER

What's the difference between assisted and accepted answer? Duhh, Im so blurrrrr about these...

Don't worry, zenlion, my points r unlimited and I AM GENEROUS cuz I want answers fast. :p