Fireworks' strengths lie in its focus on the creation and optimization of bitmapped and vector Web graphics. Files are integrated easily into Macromedia Flash and Dreamweaver, and importing/exporting Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator files is a breeze, especially with the program's improved layer-mask handling and a new Color Fill Live effect. Version 4 rolls out a new interface that Flash, Dreamweaver, and FreeHand users will recognize. Tabbed menus allow for customization and keep the screen tidy while organizing elements. New tools for adding interactive elements--rollovers, navigation bars, and pop-up menus--are a very welcome sight. And a Live Animation feature creates frame-based GIF animations, using symbols, instances, and tweening features familiar to Flash users. With built-in HTML and JavaScript capabilities, version 4 delivers the goods to the Web-graphics design community.
Like we mentioned, Dreamweaver users will fully realize Fireworks' full potential. These two programs assimilate perfectly, creating the most powerful Web-editing suite available today. --Eric Twelker
Why, you ask? because it uses vector graphics to maitain editablity for all time. This means if a client does not like a color or font style, you can use Firework's find and replace to update your enitre set of files! Fireworks also allows you to save buttons you create in a library that can be used over and over. You want to use Photoshop along side Fireworks to do any bitmap editing. Firworks does have a nice set of bitmap tools, but let Photoshop handle your serious photographic work. In closing, remember: Photoshop is a BITMAP editor. It does not allow you the same FLEXABILITY as Fireworks will. Fireworks 4 is BOTH a bitmap & vector program. So when it comes to creating the best looking websites in the least amount of time, look no further!
