Recommended books about Fireworks

Adobe Fireworks CS4 is back and better than ever. Completely revamped for inclusion in the Adobe Creative Suite, Fireworks is now positioned to be an integral part of Adobe's Web workflow. Designed for manipulating images destined for the Web and developing rapid Web prototypes, Fireworks lets Web designers go from scribbled concept to online framework. Fireworks CS4 has been given new life, so new in fact that a whole new generation of Web designers needs to become acquainted with it. Adobe Fireworks CS4 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques gives users quick access to the key features and fundamental techniques to help them come up to speed in Adobe Fireworks CS4. Each technique is presented in a self-contained unit of one or two pages so users can dive in and start working right away, unencumbered by lengthy descriptions or technical detail. Adobe Fireworks CS4 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques will be one of the first books available on this software.

In Mastering CSS with Dreamweaver CS3, authors Stephanie Sullivan and Greg Rewis demonstrate how to use Dreamweaver CS3 and CSS together to create highly individualized, standards-based layouts. Through hands-on projects with visuals, the book gives readers an in-depth understanding of Dreamweaver's 32 CSS-based layouts (new in Dreamweaver CS3) and their application, enabling every user of Dreamweaver to learn CSS effectively and easily.

I knew I needed to do some serious study to upgrade my piecemeal, muddle-through skills on CSS with the advent of newer tableless techniques, and Mastering CSS has been perfect for me. It's a beautifully crafted blend of concept and tutorial that will not just suit, but really deliver, for all but the newest newbies or code-hardened cavemen. (And even some cavemen could learn a thing or two.)

It's a tough subject to get the mix right, what with the tangle that the browser war has gotten us into... too much attention to IE hacks and the concept is overwhelmed; too little and you're not really prepared for battle. I particularly liked the detailed coverage of page flow logic, and notes throughout on the precise tool or technique that gets a job done in the fewest actions. Yes, sometimes it's working under the hood, but make no mistake, DW has tools that for some tasks no ASCII fingertips can touch... and Sullivan and Rewis tell you where and when.

With great, readable editing, detailed and painstaking supporting graphics right in place, and a great flow of content, it's hard to imagine covering the topic better.

I wanted to learn CSS from the best, not from a friend, a college tech, or a book written by a designer who is 'familiar' with CSS. I've watched Greg Rewis' video tutorials on Adobe TV called Taming The Web and have gained more in those 5 or 6 'shows' so far than the quickie learning books. These two are the best, and they make me want to be as good as they are at CSS and the tool for creating it. Talent sharpens talent. Haven't you felt more challenged and have ended up pushing yourself to be better when playing a game or sport with someone better than you versus someone you can beat with ease. This book is like having Michael Jordan as your coach, not the local kid whose pretty good.

Learning CSS is vital to my family's livelihood and time is hard to come by, and I've already given to much time to some of the many books out there that simply offer tips & tricks which force me to buy another book later on that covers the proper construction of CSS to allow those tips & tricks to work in the first place.

Thanks to the two writers of this book. What a blessing to have the best at CSS teaching me how it works & what it is capable of while the best at using the very tool, Dreamweaver, instructs me on building it.

This book will make my precious time set aside for schooling myself be productive and my family's business at GiveItToRob.com prosperous.

Dreamweaver is the leading web authoring tool and CSS is the recommended method for creating accessible web pages, yet it's a common idea that the two cannot operate smoothly together. That's why Mastering CSS with Dreamweaver CS3 is an essential acquisition for any serious programmer's library: it covers the latest tools for building CSS-based sites and covers all the basics of how to use CSS styling under Dreamweaver's tools. Highly recommended, it's packed with color charts, screens and examples throughout.

I found Mastering CSS with Dreamweaver CS3 refreshing, informative and fun. Having built dozens of websites using Dreamweaver, studying this book strengthened my production techniques. IE hacks (for all versions) were scattered throughout the book. Excellent explanations were given. A variety of layouts were used throughout the chapters, with again excellent explanations. Core concepts of CSS were presented and how to use them were demonstrated. On top of this, it was fun completing the exercises. Note: 1. not for beginners 2. I would suggest going through the book. Then take each chapter, study it and then build a page or two using the principles and techniques demonstrated. I hope a second book is in the works.

best,

zinlover, Sacramento

This comprehensive introductory book provides step-by-step instruction and in-depth explanation on three of today's most widely used Web design and development programs: Adobe Dreamweaver CS3, Adobe Flash CS3, and Adobe Fireworks CS3. Readers gain practical experience with the software as they work through end-of-chapter learning projects and step-by-step tutorials. An integration chapter demonstrates how to move from one application to the other while creating a Dreamweaver Web site that incorporates both Flash and Fireworks files. Full-color illustrations and a user-friendly design combine to create a solid learning experience that reveals how to master the latest features of these popular applications.

The book is great if you simply want an introduction to Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks or (Photoshop in the premium edition). The Dreamweaver section is not very thorough and the Flash section is somewhat difficult to follow. Overall I was able to master Dreamweaver and Fireworks so two out of three aint bad. The book is definately worth it.

This is one of several tutorial packages I bought at the same time to help me learn the Adobe CS3 suite of web-related programs. I wanted to determine which was the best to start with, so I sampled a couple of chapters from each of about six titles before deciding this was the clearly best of the group to get me started. My main interest is in learning Flash, but I've got a use for almost everything in the CS3 suite. This book provided an unanticipated motivation to stop avoiding Dreamweaver and take a fresh look at Fireworks as well. (I no longer find FW redundant in a world dominated by PS and IL.) I can't say enough about how exquisite this book is, and the inclusion of camouflage nature scenes was a smart move. It is well organized, nicely paced and I haven't found any glitches yet, which is seldom the case with tutorial books. If you are just starting out with CS3, my advice, and I write educational books for a living, is to start with WC Revealed and then you'll have better info on how to decide what will be your next move. Everyone associated with this book can be proud of the results. Kudos, and thanks. I'd give it more stars if I could.

I purchased this book primarily for information on Flash CS3 and Photoshop CS3. I don't have anything to compare it to in regard to these two features, but it is clear to me that the section on Dreamweaver CS3 is not nearly as thorough as the book "Dreamweaver MX 2004" which I purchased several years ago.

I just tried to read up on a couple of Dreamweaver topics in "The Web Collection Revealed" but couldn't find them mentioned. I didn't have any trouble finding the topics covered in my "DREAMWEAVER MX 2004" and the instruction from MX 2004 still worked in the CS3 version of Dreamweaver.

This self-paced guide to Adobe Fireworks CS4 is ideal for beginning users who want to learn key Fireworks concepts and techniques, while readers who already have some experience with Fireworks can use this book to learn Fireworks CS4's more advanced features and newest tools. Using step-by-step, project-based lessons, each chapter walks readers through the creation of a specific project, with successive chapters building on the reader's growing knowledge of the program.
With Fireworks CS4, users can collaborate with other Adobe Creative Suite applications to design and mockup basic Web pages or interfaces for rich Internet applications. Demo a design live for a client, or export the design as an interactive PDF and email it to them. Fireworks sports a new user interface, shared in common with other applications in Creative Suite 4. Export complete Web page designs as web standards-compliant CSS-based layouts, or as PDF

If you want to take your Flash Professional 8 skills to a new level while learning how to produce games that rival anything available on the web, this is the book for you. Macromedia Flash Professional 8 Game Development is written by a professional game developer. Using the power of Flash and the most recent advancements in ActionScript, the book progresses through the entire development process to teach programmers and Web developers how to create professional quality games quickly. It teaches techniques for producing fast 3D effects that can be used with "cheat" techniques to produce powerful, high-performance results. It details the actual science of game development, including design, character development, the physics and motion of a game, and audio issues. And in this new edition, all of the latest features of Flash Professional 8 are covered, including the new sound channels, bitmap caching, texture pages, and more. The book covers many advanced topics in a simple, easy to understand way. It emphasizes the incredible power of the new BitmapData class and teaches how it can be used to take the performance of Flash games to a whole new level. It has never been easier to get right down to the pixel level and manipulate things at blazing speeds, making previously impossible games a breeze to make. So get to your computer, insert the CD-ROM, and prepare to begin your journey into the world of Flash Professional 8 game development.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot compared to the other Flash books I've read. If you are trying to make Flash games and don't know where to start this might be the book you should buy! :)

I bought this book hoping to take steps from mid-level ActionScripter to a more advanced coder. In a world of how-to books that just regurgitate the same ol' techniques this one not only met, but it exceeded my expectations. I was hoping to improve my techniques for interactivity and thought a book on ActionScript gaming would be the quickest, most thorough and most fun way to do it and this book came through big time. Great examples, and good explanations of every step taken. Sometimes I needed more of an explanation but I think that's a trade-off of having more examples. So not really a complaint since I can find explanations online, but good examples are far more scarce. An absolute must-have...as someone said even if you are not into gaming. I'll also add that its still a must-have despite ActionScript 3 being out...but hopefully they put out a new edition covering that.

To respond to the negative reviews: 1. Want to see classes and OOP...that would be an issue if this book claimed to be an AS3 book, but considering it is AS2, when OOP and classes weren't as en vogue, I don't think that is a valid complaint. 99% of Flash CS2 books hardly mentioned classes and didnt code that way. 2. Bad habits/naming conventions...I didn't think so but I think that is a preference and if you don't like his "style" no one is forcing you to continue coding that way after you finish the book. Every author has their own style, and I didn't think his coding broke any conventions. 3. Nothing you can't learn yourself...just not true. I've found a lot of great stuff online, but it was a big help and hugely time-saving to have this wealth of info in one place AND with great instruction...and a bonus general ActionScript chapter that is better than many Flash books out there!

The book provides several examples that progress the reader through the programming of gradually more complex games. The reader should have a basic knowledge of Flash and Actionscript, as the book brushes over beginner-level concepts. At the time, the book is fairly up to date, however there is supposedly quite a jump between Flash 8 and Flash CS3, which uses Actionscript 3.0. Nonetheless, the concepts taught in the book are universally applicable regardless of what Flash version you are using. The inclusion of a CD-ROM is an added bonus and a must with this kind of book.

I found the book easy to read and very practical. The use of examples to explain things is great. And of course, examples that do work is great also!!!

It's the right book for those that already know something about flash and actionscript (doesn't need to be an expert), and want to learn to develop some games in flash, and perhaps aplly those technics on other apllications.

The book is great fun!!!

As a physicist, I looked at the chapter on "Physics for Games". It's very introductory Newtonian mechanics. Applying these in time-discrete form for moving objects in the game. Gravity is considered for vertical motion, and wind is incorporated to affect horizontal motion. Freshman level stuff. If you are developing a game where you need to seriously incorporate physics, there are entire books devoted to it, like Physics for Game Developers.

Though to be fair, the book is about learning Flash and its effects. Other chapters offer code fragments. Of necessity, these are all elementary, from a programming complexity standpoint. But they help explain how to apply Flash.

The most intricate part of the book seems to be when you model a 3d world. Nice rendering examples. Doesn't go very deeply here. Flash almost certainly has more advanced functionality.

"Made in Fireworks CS3" is a unique effort from the author, as it captures the essence of design industry inform of education induced in story line. The learners assumes themselves as three characters of story who fight for competition & win it with team effort. Apart from teaching the nitty-gritty of Adobe Fireworks, the aim of book is to present students with work culture, pressure of tight deadlines, spirit of teamwork and do's and don'ts of designing work culture in form of Uncle Ben's advice.

I am not english native speaker and even I could understood the training which I find very useful and original.
It changes from another book and is quite complete.

If you learn best by doing, and what you�fre intent on doing is create stunning Web graphics with Macromedia Fireworks 8, this is the place to turn. The best-selling tutorial book on Fireworks has been completely updated to get you hands-on fast with all of the program�fs most important features, including its newest: additional blend modes, support for special characters and AutoShape properties, workflow improvements, and more. Through project-based lessons that equal 16 to 20 hours of instruction, you�fll cover the entire process of creating Web graphics with Fireworks 8�|from creating images to optimizing and exporting them. Simple step-by-step instructions, loads of screen shots, and a CD with media files and a trial version of the program will have you creating rollovers, pop-ups, and more in no time. Whether you�fre new to the world of Fireworks graphics or a veteran user eager to tap the power of the latest version, you�fll find the trusted, Macromedia-certified instruction you need in these pages.

Great book, specially for beginners.
Well organized and rich in details.
It teaches you step by step how to use fireworks.
I definetely recomemend it, specially if you are new to fireworks like I am.

I found it an excellent walk-through of Fireworks. Within a short time, I was applying oval marquees, bevels, drop shadows and other terrific graphic effects. I carry this with my notebook computer -- it goes wherever I go, for the next few weeks at least.
[....]
Ed Detlie

Not exactly the best tutorial book, but then again, there isn't much out there on Fireworks. If you are new to Fireworks, then this is the book for you. However, if you are looking for more advanced content, then don't get it.

This book along with the tutorial cd really help to try out a lot of the features of the Fireworks program. As a beginner in the website development field, it has been a lot of help.

New to Dreamweaver and Fireworks 8? How to Use Macromedia Dreamweaver�|8 and Fireworks�|8 will quickly teach you the basics of the software so that you can get your websites up and running. More than 150 two-page, full- spreads will visually take you through the process of how to use each program to create everything from a simple personal website or a more involved e-business website. Illustrations and figures will lead you through each task with easy-to-follow directions and visual cues. You will learn how to:

• Work with text.
• Reuse information.
• Optimize images.
• Use behaviors and scripts.
• Create forms.
• Use external media.
• Create dynamic webpages.
• Work with CSS.

Don't be intimidated by Dreamweaver 8 and Fireworks 8. Let How to Use Macromedia Dreamweaver�|8 and Fireworks 8 help you begin to reach your website building potential.

I thought this book was great. It does exactly what it says. Sure, if you have ever used Dreamweaver and Fireworks before the first few chapters may be really basic but, there is a lot of information here.

The book starts out very basic but then, gets into CSS style sheets, layers, frames, and forms in Dreamweaver. The Fireworks section is a bit more basic (at least for me) but then, it explains 3D buttons, pop-up menus, image maps, slices, and even creating animated elements.

If you are a professional web designer, this book may be too basic for you. But for the hobbyist or beginner, this book is the perfect place to start.

I bought Fireworks MX to create buttons for use in navigation bars, and I bought this book to learn how to accomplish that, as Fireworks did not come with a manual. The book has 12 pages on buttons and nav bars, and at first glance it looks good, lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions. The only problem is that I did not get working buttons by following the instructions. I called Macromedia and found out that several important steps had been left out, steps that you would never guess on your own. With help from Macromedia I managed to make one set of working buttons, but when I tried to edit the buttons something went wrong and the buttons have been mangled. I am ordering more books from other authors in the hope one of them will give me complete instructions on how to make a button and edit it later.

I first bought Creating a Web Page in Dreamweaver 8. It sucked, bad. Probably the worst book I ever bouhght. Then, I found this book, really made a lot of sense. Great for beginners, and it is real in depth as well. I would recomend it, and might even buy a second copy for myself.

The author walks you through slowley, but informs you of all the details, so you can design a snazy site. Someone spent a lot of time reviewing the book before it went to print, because it doesn't skip a step, as other books can do in the design area.

The best thing I did was to buy the CNET CD on Dreamweaver/Flash/Fireworks. I paid about $80, but a class would have been thousands. The CD this book were all I needed.

This book is severely lacking. The book uses a lot of pictures and poor descriptions in an attempt to teach you how to use dreamweaver functions. The result is that you get an idea of how to do certain functions but never get the feeling of how to effectively put them together. The book is in limbo between catering to beginners and being a mere reference book for someone trying to remember 'how to create an input form'. Had this book provided a simple web project that the readers could complete while teaching us the program; then everyone (readers and author) might have been able to stay on the 'same page'.

I am finding this book helpful, except I am using Dreamweaver MX 2004 and this book is apparently for the previous version. Enough has changed that it is frustrating trying to figure out where things have moved to. I have to pull up the help screen to compare how the book says to do it with how you actually do it in the updated version. Use caution when using this book for the 2004 software. Otherwise, I personally like the pictures--being a visual learner.

This new title offers step-by-step instructions and in-depth explanations of the features of Macromedia Studio 8. Students will easily master the software as they work through end-of-chapter learning projects and step-by-step tutorials. The full-color interior and user-friendly design create the ideal book for learning the latest features of these popular applications.

As another reviewer had stated, this book just tells someone to do things without explanations as to WHY it is being done. The most critical component for any instructional writing in the technical realm must show the user what the purpose is for the actions. Screenshots are rare and instructions are not comprehensive. Find another book if you actually want to learn skills that you can remember and use later.

If you want to learn Dreamweaver do not buy this book. This is the required book for a college class I am taking on Dreamweaver- it is an awful book. No explanations, just lots of click here, do this, do that. They don't tell you why you are doing what you are doing. The instructions are unclear- I often cannot find what button or command they are referring to. Everyone in the class is having these problems. The instructor is having to walk us through all of the exercises that we should be able to do on our own with the book. I have learned nothing from this book.

This book I have used in two courses so far and it has helped me quite a bit.It has also been easy to look back and find what to do if I have forgotten a process.

Very easy to understand and it guides you step by step. Great for intermediate users.

I needed this book for a class i was taking. Got to me fast and was in perfect condition.

This new title offers step-by-step instructions and in-depth explanations of the features of Macromedia Fireworks 8. Students will easily master the software as they work through end-of-chapter learning projects and step-by-step tutorials. The full-color interior and user-friendly design create the ideal book for learning the latest features of this popular application.